Credits Cover Photo: Cover art images (clockwise from the top left) 1. Dimitra Athansiadou, Dr. Marc McKee’s lab a scanning electron micrograph of mouse otoconia.

2. Osama Elkashty, Dr. Simon Tran’s lab immunofluorescence staining of human oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue

3. Dr. Richard Hovey The image represents the idea of the Lived Experience as a hermeneutical sensitivity which guilds his research.

4. Natalie Reznikov, Dr. Didem Dagdeviren, Dr. Jean-Marc Retrouvey’s lab The craniofacial characteristics of OI type III and IV subjects

3

14th Annual Research Day of McGill’s Faculty of Dentistry

Welcome to the 14th Annual Research Day of McGill’s Faculty of Dentistry ! This year the

Research Day will include more than 50 oral and poster presentations from research trainees, and

these presentations will cover a wide range of exciting research areas. We are also delighted to

have Dr. Maria Ryan (President of the American Association for Dental Research), as the

Keynote Speaker.

This year, the Research Day would not have been possible without the outstanding work from

Entisar Abdulkader and Nioushah Noushi, two members of the Organizing Committee. Entisar

(Chair) and Nioushah (Vice-Chair) have worked extremely hard over the past couple of months

on designing the scientific program, finding a keynote speaker, and evaluating submissions. They

have worked closely with Marlene Balena, who has been tremendously helpful throughout the

organization process of this Research Day. As in previous years, Marlene’s support has been

invaluable at all levels.

I would also like to thank all session chairs as well as judges who accepted to contribute to the

evaluation of oral and poster presentations for the Research Day. The Organizing Committee is

highly grateful for your contribution, as these tasks require considerable time, rigor, and energy. I

would also like to thank Dr. Belinda Nicolau for her input on the organization of this year’s

Research Day and all the other individuals providing technical and/or logistical support over the

course of the day.

In closing, the organizing committee would like to thank the Network for Oral and Bone Health

Research (RSBO) for their financial support. The RSBO’s financial support is pivotal to the

success of the Research Day and allows us to give awards in order to recognize the outstanding

work conducted by our graduate students.

We sincerely thank everyone for attending the 14th Annual Research Day !

Faculty of Dentistry McGill University 3640 University Street Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 0C7

Faculté de médecine dentaire Université McGill 3640, rue University Montréal, QC, Canada H3A 0C7

Tel: 514-398-7203 Fax: 514-398-8900 www.mcgill.ca/dentistry/

Dr. Marc O. Martel (Research Day Advisor) On behalf of the Organizing Committee

5

McGill University Faculty of Dentistry

14th Annual Graduate Research Day April 12th, 2019

McGill Faculty Club

3450 McTavish, Montreal

Day at a glance

08:00 – 08:45 Poster Set-up and Breakfast 08:45 – 09:00 Welcome Addresses: Dr. Elham Emami & Entisar Abdulkader 09:00 – 10:00 Oral Presentations (AM Session 1) 10:00 – 10:15 Coffee Break 10:15 – 11:15 Oral Presentations (AM Session 2) 11:15 – 13:15 Poster Session and Lunch (Lunch beginning at 12:00) 13:15 – 14:15 Oral Presentations (PM Session 1) 14:15 – 14:30 Coffee Break 14:30 – 15:30 Oral Presentations (PM Session 2) 15:30 – 16:30 Keynote Address: Dr. Maria Ryan "Translational Research and Career Opportunities"

Chief Dental Office/Vice President - Colgate Palmolive President of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) 16:45 – 17:30 Presentation of Awards

Sponsors

Awards

The Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation Awards (3 prizes) are given by the

Network for Oral and Bone Health Research.

The Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation Awards (3 prizes) are given by the

Network for Oral and Bone Health Research.

The Knowledge Translation Prize will be given by the Network for Oral and Bone

Health Research

The Summer Research 1st Prize is awarded by the University of Tennessee

(Hinman Symposium) and the Faculty of Dentistry.

The Summer Research 2nd Prize is given by the Faculty of Dentistry.

Dr. Stephane R. Schwartz Award for Excellence in Research (sponsored by Dr.

Nikhil Sharma) will be awarded to the best GPR Poster Presentation and is given

by the Division of Dentistry of the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Past Winners:

2018 Orals: Posters: Knowledge Translation:

1st Lojain Bassyoni 1st Osama Elkashty Manuella Widjaja

2nd Garthiga Manickam 2nd Balqees Almufleh Mona Jillani

3rd Mang Shin Ma 3rd Hieu Pham Osama Elkashty

2018 GPR Posters:

Jordan Albino

Hafsa Alami Laroussi

7

14th Annual Dentistry Graduate Research Day

Organizing Committee

Entisar Abdulkader, Chair

Nioushah Noushi, Vice-Chair

Dr. Marc O. Martel, Advisor

Marlene Balena, Event Coordinator

Oral Presentation Award Judges

Dr. Mary Ellen Macdonald

Dr. Laura Stone

Balqees Almufleh

Mark Keboa

Graduate Poster

Presentation Award Judges

Alissa Levine

Sreenath Madathil

Dimitra Athanasiadou

Konstantinos Mastorakis

GPR Poster

Presentation Award Judges

Dr. Svetlana Tikhonova

Haider Al-Waeli

Knowledge Translation Award Judges

Dr. Marc Martel

Dr. Christophe Bedos

Oral Presentation Session Chairs

Hieu Pham, Heba Madi, Linda Lubin-Jerome, Arishdeep Jagde,

Richa Richa, Abdalgader Alhozgi

IT and AV Coordinator

Sreenath Madathil

Summer Research Poster

Presentation Award Judges

Dr. Svetlana Komarova

David Wu

Shalom Benzaquen

Oral Presentations

9

ORAL PRESENTATIONS AM (SESSION 1)

09:00 — 09:15 OP 1 - AL-HAMED F Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEIs) and the Risk of Bleeding and Ischemic Events in Non-Hypertensive Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

09:15 — 09:30 OP 2 - FOUILLEN A Bacteria Degrade the Specialized Basel Lamina of the Junctional Epithelium

09:30 — 09:45 OP 3 - JEYACHANDRAN D The Effect of Microporosity on the Bioactivity of Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

09:45 — 10:00 OP 4 - DALLISON B Pilot Study of Efficacy of Oxygen Delivery Biomaterial for Ischemic Skin Preservation

ORAL PRESENTATIONS AM (SESSION 2)

10:15—10:30 OP 5 - KANG H Changes in Cell-Type Population and Mesocortical Dopaminergic System in the Prefrontal Cortex in Chronic Neuropathic Pain

10:30—10:45 OP 6 - GUADARRAMA B Nanocavitated Titanium Surfaces Influence Osteogenic Cell Behavior

10:45—11:00 OP 7 - TANDALE M We are what we are: Religious Discrimination and Oral Health of the Muslim Community in Quebec.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS PM (SESSION 1)

13:15—13:30 OP 8 - CHARBONNEAU A Human cell Culture in Egg yolk Plasma, Media, NaOH and Egg White Combinations for Salivary Gland Tissue Engineering

13:30—13:45 OP 9 - JAHAN K Injectable Chitosan Sponge for Cellular Encapsulation in Bone Repair Applications

13:45—14:00 OP 10 - WONG C The Role of mTORC2 in the Peripheral Nervous System in the Development of Chronic Pain

14:00—14:15 OP 11 - TOPHAM L Bioinformatic Analysis of Mouse PFC DNA Methylation in Response to Acute, Sub-Chronic and Chronic Neuropathic Pain

ORAL PRESENTATIONS PM (SESSION 2)

14:30—14:45 OP 12 - ANDRESON C The FIAT Transcriptional Repressor as a Drug Target for Bone Regeneration

14:45—15:00 OP 13 - HENDRICKSON R Understanding the Role of Protein Gamma-Carboxylation in Craniofacial Development.

15:00—15:15 OP 14 - VIDEIRRA V Dental Students' Willingness to Work with Underserved Populations in Northern, Remote and Isolated Communities in Canada

Poster Presentations

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ POSTER PRESENTATIONS

P 01 THAKUR N Comparison of Sleep Oral Parafunctional Behaviors between Acute and Chronic painful TMD patients

P 02 ELSARAJ S Fatigue Characteristics in Acute and Chronic Painful Temporomandibular (TMD): a case-control study

P 03 ARISHDEEP KJ Patients' E-readiness to use E-health Technologies for Oral Health– Study Protocol

P 04 AGNES C Co-Culture of Osteblasts and Endothelial Cells in a Chitosan/GDP Scaffold to Improve Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis for the Treatment of Critical Size Bone Defects

P 05 ARORA HVS Psychosocial Stressors as an Underlying Mechanism Linking Low SEP to Oral Cancer

P 06 AHMAD F Perspectives of People Affected by Environmental Sensitivies Concerning Access to Dental Care, Oral Health and Illness

P 07 MAHRI M A Systemic Mapping of the Effect of Drugs on Implant Osseointegration

P 08 MARY C Characterization of the Antibacterial Potential of the Protein SCPPPQ1

P 09 OWEIS Y Surface Modification of CoCr Alloys by Electrochemical Reduction of Diazonium Salts

P 10 ELKASHTY O Sulforaphane Increases Drug-mediated Cytotoxicity Toward Head- Neck Cancer Stem Cells

P 11 ARORA N A Contribution of Acute Post-Operative Pain Towards Neuropathic Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery - 3-month Prospective Cohort Study

P 12 ABUNADA L Can Young Bone Marrow Cells Reverse Aging in Bone?

P 13 AYUSHI A Predictors of Pain and Problematic Opioid use after Oral and Maxilofacial Surgery

P 14 SAINI MPS Oral Health Experiences of Refugee Children in Montreal- Study Protocol

P 15 WIDJAJA M, SZWIMER R Resilience in Adolescent Chronic Pain: An Exploration of Resilience Resources, Coping Mechanisms, and Protective Psychological Factors

P 16 SRINIVAS A Success of Tobacco Control and Cessation Interventions Implemented in Different States of India: A Literature Review

P 17 SHARMA A Risk Factors of Chronic Post-Surgical Pain after Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:

P 18 KAMBLI S Reviewing the Efficacy of Disease Prevention Programs in India– Lessons for Oral Health Programs

P 19 SAINI P Effect of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs on the Misuse of Opioid Analgesics

11

Poster Presentations

SUMMER RESEARCH STUDENTS’ POSTER PRESENTATIONS

P 20 SANANES J Synergistic Interactions between Stress Induction and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Mice

P 21 VUONG T Is Reheating Cooking Oil a Risk Factor for Oral Cancer: A Case-Control Study

P 22 ALCHINI R Cholinergic Function as a Linkage Between Oral Health and Dementia

P 23 LU YC Assessing Dentistry's Oral Health Research Course: Student Perspective

P 24 SHEN N Systematic Review Screening Method using Artificial Intelligence

P 25 NGUYEN YC Understanding the Role of Social Workers and Dentists in the Dental Process of Refugees in Montreal

P 26 KORMAN R A Retrospective Review of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices and Infection Rates for Outpatient OMFS Procedures at the Montreal General Hospital

P 27 ROUSSEAU M Automated Facial Shape Analysis in Osteogenesis Imperfecta with Computer Vision, A Case-Control Study

P 28 LIN LC Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) of a Human Salivary Gland cell cell Line NS-SV-AC

P 29 LI J North American Female Leaders in Dentistry: The Glass Ceiling is not yet Broken

P 30 DAVID C Chin Position in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

P 31 BADAN A A New Approach to the Treatment of Dental Caries Using Nano Silver Fluoride

P 32 OUELLET N Factors Associated with Opioid Craving Among Patients with Chronic Pain

GENERAL PRACTICE RESIDENCY POSTER PRESENTATIONS

P 33 BROWN A, TO C Influence of Parent’s Oral Health Knowledge and Beliefs on Children’s Utilization of Emergency Department for Early Childhood Caries

P 34 DIONNE-BERLINGUETTE LP, ST-PIERRE L Provision of Sedation for Dental Care in Canadian Pediatric Hospitals

P 35 GILBERT C, LIU LJ Clinical and Radiographic Factors Influencing Space Closure Following the Extraction of Perma-nent First Molar

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 1

OP 1 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEIs) and the Risk of Bleeding and

Ischemic Events in Non-Hypertensive Patients with Alzheimer’s disease

AL-HAMED FS1, KOUNIARIS S1, TAMIMI I2, MARIE L3, KEZOUH A4, MADATHIL SA1, KARP

I5, NICOLAU B1, BADRAN Z1,6, TAMIMI F1 1 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada 2 Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Avenida Carlos Haya SN, 29010, Malaga, Spain

3 Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada 4Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Lady Davis Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada 5Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada 6Department of Periodontology, University of Nantes, Nantes France

ABSTRACT:

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the association between

acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and the risk of bleeding and

cardiovascular ischemic events in non-hypertensive Alzheimer patients.

Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted on 507 cases and 2028

controls for the risk of bleeding events, and on 555 cases and 2220 controls for the

risk of ischemic events (angina, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke). This study

was conducted using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) databases between 1998–2013. The study cohort

consisted of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients aged 65 years. The case groups

included all AD subjects in the database who had a bleeding event or ischemic

event during the cohort follow-up. Four controls were selected per each case.

Results: We identified 507 cases and 2028 controls for the bleeding event cohort

and 555 cases and 2220 controls for the ischemic event cohort. Concerning

bleeding risk, there was no significant difference between AChEIs users and non-

users (Adjusted OR=0.93, 95% CI= 0.75-1.16, p=0.52). The use of AChEIs was

associated with an increased risk of angina (adjusted OR=2.58, 95% CI= 1.01-6.59,

p=0.0469), and MI (adjusted OR=1.89, 95% CI= 1.07-3.33, p=0.0277). Regarding

adherence to treatment, low adherence to treatment (PDC < 0.2) was associated

with an increased risk of angina (OR=8.29, CI=1.84-37.30, p= 0.01). Past users of

AChEIs were at increased risk of stroke (adjusted OR=1.51, 95% CI= 1.00-2.27,

p=0.0500).

Conclusions: The use of AChEIs may not affect the risk of bleeding, however, it

increased the risk of angina and MI in non-hypertensive AD patients. Low

adherence to AChEIs was strongly associated with higher risk of angina. However,

due to small sample size of the study populations, further studies are recommended

to assess the effect of AChEIs in AD patients.

13

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 1

OP 2 Bacteria Degrade the Specialized Basal Lamina of the Junctional

Epithelium

FOUILLEN, A1,2,3*; GRENIER D4, BARBEAU J2; BARON C3 and NANCI A1,2,3 1 Laboratory for the Study of Calcified Tissues and Biomaterials, 2 Department of Stomatology,

Faculty of Dental Medicine, and 3 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of

Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada. 4 Oral Ecology Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, Laval University, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.

Submitting author: aurelien.fouillen@umontreal.ca

The junctional epithelium (JE) is a specialized portion of the gingiva that seals off

the tooth supporting tissues from the oral environment. This relationship is

achieved via a specialized basal lamina (sBL) which to date is known to comprise

three unique proteins -AMTN, ODAM and SCPPPQ1- and Laminin-332. These

interact to structure the supramolecular organization of this sBL and determine its

adhesive capacity. Despite its critical and strategic importance and continued

exposure to bacteria, little is known on the susceptibility of the sBL to bacterial

activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of various oral

bacteria on the sBL using molecular biology and complementary imaging

approaches. SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis with trypsin like proteases as

well as incubation with Porphyromonas gingivalis revealed that all sBL

constituents, except SCPPPQ1, were rapidly degraded. Mass spectrometry

confirmed that SCPPPQ1 was not degraded. To observe the impact of P.

gingivalis on the sBL network, we have incubated the bacteria on both a

reconstituted and a native sBL and examined the outcome by atomic force

microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The bacteria destroyed the

reconstituted supramolecular network in their vicinity creating a peripheral space

around them. After two hours of exposure, SEM analysis of the native sBL

revealed the presence of a shallow depression around the bacteria. After 6 h, the

affected peri-bacterial area became deeper and cavitated, suggesting active

degradation of the native sBL as well. We show here for the first time that P.

gingivalis, one of the major bacteria implicated in chronic periodontitis, and

related enzymes can attack the individual components of the sBL as well as alter

the supramolecular organization of this critical adhesive extracellular matrix.

These results highlight the importance of the sBL in PD and open the door for new

treatment paradigms.

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 1

OP 3 The Effect of Microporosity on the Bioactivity of Scaffolds for Bone

Regeneration

JEYACHANDRAN D1, FAIRAG R2, LI L2, HAGLUND L2 AND CERRUTI M1* 1Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; 2Experimental Surgery, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Canada

Scaffold microporosity plays an important role in bone tissue engineering as it promotes osteogenesis

by improving protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Current techniques to impart microporosity in

scaffolds like thermally induced phase separation have some limitations, like scaffold shrinkage and

long solvent sublimation time.

In our study, we prepared Bioglass-Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (BG-PLGA)

scaffolds with a microporous PLGA phase by solvent casting/particulate leaching,

using paraffin microspheres as a porogen and citrisolv as the leaching solvent.

Microporosity was absent in scaffolds leached with hexane. We hypothesize that

the microporosity in PLGA can enhance the bioactivity of the BG-PLGA

composite and promote osteogenesis by enhancing BG dissolution and cell

attachment. To test this hypothesis, we did simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion

tests and cell assays on both citrisolv leached (CL) and hexane leached (HL)

scaffolds.

We observed larger apatite deposition upon SBF immersion on CL than HL

scaffolds at all time points analyzed (from 96 hours to two weeks), showing that

microporosity did enhance the bioactivity of the BG-PLGA composites. Both CL

and HL scaffolds supported Mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, proliferation and

differentiation. We are currently doing further tests to understand if the enhanced

bioactivity is due to changes in BG reactivity in the BG-PLGA scaffolds and if this

could lead to differences in cell activity at early time points.

15

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 1

OP 4 Pilot Study of Efficacy of Oxygen Delivery Biomaterial for Ischemic

Skin preservation

DALISSON B1, GILARDINO M2, BARRALET J2 1 Faculty of Dentistry, 2 Dept. Surgery, Faculty of Medicine

Damaged or inadequate blood supply can result in tissue ischemia.

Reestablishment of vasculature takes time during which necrosis can occur since

reduction of blood flow limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients and interferes

with the waste and fluid removal. Presently treatment options are limited and loss

of ischemic tissue is unavoidable. We developed a degradable biomaterial gel

system to deliver oxygen directly to tissues. This study aimed to evaluate

preclinical efficacy of this oxygen-producing biomaterial (O2gel) to prevent

ischemic necrosis and its spreading in full thickness random skin flaps.

An ischemic skin flap model was developed on rats to assess the material. Three

sides of a 9x2cm full thickness flaps were dissected. then to prevent

revascularization, a silicone sheet was inserted. For the control group, only the

silicone sheet was inserted under the flap. The experimental received the O2gel

between the silicone sheet and the skin. Oxygen release from O2gel was evaluated

in vitro in PBS using an oxygen microprobe. In vivo, necrosis and dermal oxygen

tension were monitored over 6 days in the proximal, middle and distal zones of the

flaps. Then the animals were euthanized, and tissues underwent H&E staining.

Control flaps rapidly became necrotic: 33±11% by 48h up to 49±17% at day 6.

With subdermal O2gel necrosis reached 16±8% at 48h and 30±14% at day 6 and

thereafter remained stable. Over 6 days, oxygen levels remained between 1-3.5%.

Necrosis of the distal portion of the skin flap was delayed using O2gel but not

prevented. Secondary necrosis in the middle part of the flap was prevented

indicating prolonged survival of skin with restricted blood flow, sufficiently long

for the native vascular bed to remodel and re-establish blood supply. This study

indicates that further experimentation is warranted to develop materials that can

completely mitigate necrosis in ischemic tissues that occurs at early times post

induction of ischemia. Nonetheless it provides compelling proof of concept that

materials can improve survival of tissue at least to augment conventional

treatments or to buy time until surgical intervention,

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 2

OP 5 Changes in Cell-Type Population and Mesocortical Dopaminergic

System in the Prefrontal Cortex in Chronic Neuropathic Pain

KANG, H1,2,3, TOPHAM, L1,2,3, MILLECAMPS, M2,3, GREGOIRE, S 2,3, LEE, S 1,2,3, OGUNDEJI, M2,

STONE, L 2,3,4 1Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal 2The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal 3Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal 4Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Anesthesiology, Neurology and

Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal

Chronic pain is one of the most debilitating conditions from which patients suffer.

It is often of unknown causes, and highly comorbid with affective disorders.

Despite continuous effort to improve patients’ quality of life, understanding the

condition and improving the treatment efficacy is desperately needed. Many

chronic pain conditions are associated with massive structural and functional

alterations in the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) along with other structures in the central

nervous system. To explore the possible causes, we evaluate structural changes by

studying cell-type population, and functional changes by studying mesocortical

dopaminergic system. Dopamine, a monoamine neurotransmitter which plays

critical roles in reward and motivation, is also crucially involved in pain. While its

importance in chronic pain conditions has been well demonstrated in mesolimbic

system, mesocortical system in the PFC and its implication in chronic pain has not

yet been extensively studied. The goal of this time-course study is to see if there are

changes in different cell-types (neurons, astrocytes, microglia), and mesocortical

dopaminergic system in the PFC using a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain.

The time-points of interest are 2-week (sub-chronic), 6-month and 12-month

(chronic) post-injury. Thus far, at 2-week time-point, there was no significant

changes in cell-type populations, which suggests that structural change of the PFC

is not due to the loss of specific cell-type. Tyrosine Hydroxylase expression in the

PFC was significantly decreased, only at 2-week but not at 6-month post-injury.

These data suggest that maladaptive plasticity in mesocortical dopaminergic system

may vary with duration of pain.

17

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 2

OP 6 Nanocavitated Titanium Surfaces Influence Osteogenic Cell Behavior

GUADARRAMA BD1; FOUILLEN A 1,2; BADIA A3; NANCI A 1,2 1Department of Stomatology, Université de Montréal, Montréal 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal 3Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal

Nanoscale physical modifications of medically-relevant metals are a compelling

determinant of cell behavior. Cell-substrate interactions and related signalling

pathways determine the response of the host tissue and therefore the success of

implants. Here, we demonstrate the versatility of a simple chemical oxidative

treatment with H2SO4/H2O2 to nanocavitate titanium surfaces and achieve a

unique mesoporous surface network. Our previous work has revealed that such

surfaces significantly influence osteogenic activity, both in vivo and in vitro. They

also exhibit antibacterial properties. Here, the objective of our work was to

determine the effect of this nanocavitated surface on the cell adhesion apparatus.

Osteogenic cells were cultured on polished (control) and nanotextured surfaces for

periods of 6, 24, and 72 h. Results from immunofluorescence analysis revealed an

increase in the number of focal adhesions per cell area, and in their length and

maturity on the mesoporous surface as compared to the control. Gene expression

for various focal adhesion markers, including paxillin and talin, and different

integrins (e.g. α1, β1, and α5) was also significantly increased. Scanning electron

microscopy results revealed that the mesoporous surface promoted the presence of

more filopodia on cells. Initial analysis using atomic force microscopy suggest

that filopodia on the nanocavitated surface require more lateral force to detach.

These cell extensions displayed abundant and distinctive nanoscale lateral

protrusions of around 10-15 nm in diameter that intimately molded the nanopore

walls.

The increase in number of focal adhesions, as well as the abundance of filopodia

with nanoprotrusions, that exhibit an apparent ‘stronger’ adhesive strength,

altogether likely positively contribute to increasing cell adhesion, and thereby alter

the nanoscale biomechanical relationships that regulate cell behavior.

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation AM Session 2

OP 7 We are what we are: Religious Discrimination and Oral Health of the

Muslim Community in Quebec.

TANDALE M1, BEDOS C1

Introduction: The Muslim community is the second largest religious group in

Canada and represents about 3.2% of the total population. Sometimes, they are

confronted with discrimination and violence based on their religion, as it has

happened to the Muslim community 2 years ago with a terrorist attack on a mosque

in Quebec City. Although oral health research in Canada has focused on

multiculturalism, scarce research attention has been given to the issue of religious

discrimination.

Objectives & Methodology: 1) to better understand how religious discrimination

may affect oral health and the oral health-related behaviours of Muslim people, 2)

to identify potential pathways between religious discrimination and people's oral

health. We used qualitative exploratory study design and recruited participants

having experienced religious discrimination in health care or in daily life,

practicing the Muslim religion, being 18 years old or more, and being able to

communicate in English. We conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews.

Interviews are audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analyse these

transcripts using a thematic content analysis.

Preliminary findings: Participants reported discriminatory experiences like

judgemental stares and bad comments in public places which instigated

frustrations, and they wary about their own safety. In the health care system, some

participants reported experiencing longer waiting time, less appointment time with

various doctors (i.e. enacted stigma). This leads to lack of trust in health care

professionals in general, a preference to consult Muslim doctors, and in some cases

an anticipation of discrimination in the dental healthcare system (i.e. felt stigma).

Three participants felt that they were treated more disrespectfully because of their

Islamic identity. It generated participants' lack of trust towards dentists, avoidance

of the dental clinic that discriminated them and, ultimately, unresolved dental

problems.

19

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 1

OP 8 Human Cell Culture in Egg Yolk Plasma, Media, NaOH and Egg White

Combinations for Salivary Gland Tissue Engineering.

CHARBONNEAU A 1,2, KINSELLA M2, TRAN S1 1Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec 2Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec

Head and neck irradiation therapy, medication side effects and Sjogren’s auto-

immune disorder cause a discomforting dry mouth condition that accentuates

carries and halitosis. To restore normal salivary flow, we are attempting to

engineer miniature human salivary secreting units. For tissue engineering, cell

culture media and biomaterials encourage growth and organization. Interestingly,

an example of cell expansion and organization is seen with the development of the

avian chick; therefore, we hypothesize that the yolk component is a suitable

biomaterial for tissue engineering. Accordingly, we manually isolated yolks and a

centrifuge transformed it to a translucent liquid biomaterial known as the egg yolk

plasma (EYP). In the EYP and in mixtures with: cell culture media, NaOH and

egg white, we grew human acinar salivary gland cells (NS-SV-AC cell line) for 14

days. Live/Dead stain stained the cell permitting survival rate quantifications with

image analysis. Ki-67 and collagen I-V human antibodies examined these protein

expressions. A rheometer tested the mechanical properties of the liquid and freeze-

thaw induced gelled EYP. A 3D extrusion based bioprinter 3D-printed the gelled

biomaterial. In terms of results, the EYP alone at pH 6 did not promote survival.

Survival was achieved with EYP pH modifications to 7.4 using either cell culture

media, NaOH or EW. Over time, the cells in the growth conditions continuously

expressed Ki-67 but weren’t producing collagen. The EYP was a liquid with visco

-elastic values (G’, G”) of 0 and longer freezing times proportionally induced a

stiffer gel >0-300 Pa. The gelled EYP could be bioprinted into structures with cell

type interfaces having mm in height. This introductory report provides evidence

for growth of human cells without cell culture media. The EYP liquid with the pH

modifying additives or the EYP gel can provide nutrition and structure for human

tissue engineering at very low costs and high availability.

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 1

OP 9 Injectable Chitosan Sponge for Cellular Encapsulation in Bone

Repair Applications

JAHAN K1, MURSHED M1, TABRIZIAN M1, 2

1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC,

Canada

Bone defects result from injuries that do not repair without medical intervention.

Autologous bone graft, the gold standard for treating bone defects, is

challenging due to (a) donor scarcity and (b) donor site morbidity that follows

the procedure. Regenerative medicine has shown potential as an alternative

intervention; it is based on the use of scaffolds which mimic the structure of the

tissue that requires repair and simultaneously supports, reinforces and organizes

the regenerating tissue. An injectable chitosan sponge with rapid gelation time

has been previously developed in our lab and shown to be a biocompatible,

biodegradable, and potentially osteoconductive scaffold. Based on these results,

the current project is focused on the encapsulation of pre-osteoblasts within the

scaffold over a period of 4 weeks. The in vitro characterization of the cell-laden

sponge was done through scanning electron microscopy showing the cells

attaching to the internal microstructure of the scaffold. The adhesion of the cells

was confirmed by a vinculin staining kit. Moreover, proliferative quantification

was assessed through Alamar Blue assay. Furthermore, cryosections of the cell-

laden sponges were stained for alkaline phosphatase, osterix and Von Kossa.

Subsequently, the loaded scaffold was implanted in a mouse fracture model to

study its bone repair potential. Ultimately, this sponge may be a clinical

alternative to bone graft by decreasing the burden of complications associated

with graft donor sites while simultaneously encapsulating cells able to deliver

therapeutic agents at the site of injury.

21

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 1

OP 10 The Role of mTORC2 in the Peripheral Nervous System in the

Development of Chronic Pain

WONG, C 1,2, TANSLEY, ST1,2,3, YOUSEFPOUR, N4, YANG, J1, RIBEIRO-DA-SILVA, A2,4,5,

KHOUTORSKY, A1,2,6 1Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC 2Alan Edwards Center for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC 3Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC 4Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC 5Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montral, QC 6Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC

Changes associated with the development of pain involve the reorganization of

pain circuitry, and alterations in gene expression. mTOR is a highly evolutionarily

conserved serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell homeostasis through key

cellular processes, including cell growth and proliferation, translation, autophagy,

and cytoskeleton organization. mTOR is present in two structurally and

functionally distinct multiprotein complexes: mTORC1 (mTOR Complex 1) and

mTORC2. mTORC1 regulates the rate of mRNA translation. Much less is known

about mTORC2, which has recently emerged as a key signaling molecule in a

variety of cellular processes.

To study the role of mTORC2 in pain, we selectively ablated rictor, a key protein

within the mTORC2, in Nav1.8-positive nociceptors. To ensure that behavioral

effects are not a result of aberrant developmental changes from the conditional

knockout of Rictor, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were

performed. We also studied the effect of rictor conditional knockout (cKO) on

intracellular signaling following inflammation and tissue injury. Furthermore, we

used a drug compound, A-443654, that activates mTORC2.

Our behavioral experiments demonstrate that rictor cKO mice exhibit reduced

hypersensitivity in a model of inflammatory pain, complete Freund’s adjuvant, but

not in the model of neuropathic pain, spared nerve injury. Western blotting and

immunohistochemistry confirmed that developmental effects do not contribute to

the observed phenotype. Administration of the mTORC2 activator A-443654

induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity.

Our study demonstrates for the first time the central role of mTORC2 in

nociceptors in the development of pain hypersensitivity in response to

inflammation.

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 1

OP 11 Bioinformatic Analysis of Mouse PFC DNA Methylation in Response to

Acute, Sub-Chronic and Chronic Neuropathic Pain

TOPHAM, L1 ; GREGOIRE, S2; MILLECAMPS, M3; LAX, E4; SZYF, M5; STONE, L6

1 Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2 Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 3 Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 4 Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 5 Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 6 Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Aim of Investigation:

Chronic pain is associated with functional and anatomical remodeling of prefrontal

cortex (PFC), which is implicated in pain modulation and pain-related

comorbidities. Following therapeutic intervention, this remodeling can be partially

reversed. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may clarify chronic pain

pathobiology and reveal new treatment approaches.

DNA methylation is a gene expression regulator responsive to environment, and is

an ideal candidate mechanism to mediate PFC plasticity responding to chronic pain.

We have shown PFC DNA methylation undergoes significant changes 6 months

post-spared nerve injury (SNI) and thousands of PFC genes were differentially

methylated.

This study used epigenome-wide methylation analysis, tracking PFC changes post-

SNI at acute, sub-chronic and chronic timepoints and identifying pain-related genes

and functional pathways. We hypothesized DNA methylation mediated changes in

PFC gene expression, influencing chronic pain development and maintenance.

Methods:

Male six-week old CD-1 mice underwent SNI or sham surgery and PFC was

harvested at 2-days, 2-weeks or 6-months post-injury. DNA was bisulfite-converted

and Illumina sequencing determined gene-specific DNA methylation levels.

Bioinformatic analyses determined differential methylation, and functional pathway

analysis identified pain-relevant genes related to chronic pain development and

maintenance.

Results:

Comparing SNI and sham animals at acute, sub-chronic and chronic timepoints

revealed DNA methylation changes in hundreds of genes with the chronic

timepoint having the greatest number.

Discussion/Conclusions:

Identifying pathways unique to timepoint or injury condition may reveal specific

mechanisms regulating chronic pain development and maintenance. Determining

the key regulatory pathways or epigenetic mechanisms underlying chronic pain

may provide novel intervention targets or therapies.

23

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 2

OP 12 The FIAT Transcriptional Repressor as a Drug Target for Bone

Regeneration

ANDERSON C1,2 and ST-ARNAUD R1,2,3. 1Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2Research Centre, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 3Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a member of the basic domain/leucine

zipper family of transcription factors that can dimerize with other leucine zipper

proteins, plays a pivotal role in regulating osteoblast differentiation and function.

Our laboratory has identified FIAT (Factor Inhibiting ATF4-mediated

Transcription), as a leucine zipper binding partner that inhibits the transcriptional

activity of ATF4. Transgenic mice overexpressing Fiat exhibit a low bone mass

phenotype while a global Fiat knockout showed reciprocal changes. Thus FIAT

emerged as a valid drug target for bone regeneration.

The goal of this study was to use a high throughput screen to identify compounds

that disrupt the ATF4/FIAT interaction to find small molecules that could increase

bone mass. We have generated a FIATzipper-GAL4-DNA Binding Domain fusion

(DBD-FIAT ‘bait’) and an ATF4zipper-VP16 Activation Domain fusion (AD-

ATF4 ‘target’) to establish a mammalian two-hybrid assay. In this assay, the DBD-

FIAT fusion binds the promoter of a secreted luciferase reporter construct.

Interaction of the bait with the AD-ATF4 target through the leucine zipper

interface reconstitutes a strong transcriptional activator and results in high levels of

luciferase expression. Compounds that disrupted luciferase expression in the two-

hybrid assay without influencing transcription from the fused GAL4-VP16 control

were considered hits. After screening 135,000 compounds and performing dose-

response testing, 8 compounds were selected for additional screening. Preliminary

data has defined the tolerance/survival of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells upon

treatment with the drugs, allowing for further investigation of the effects of the

compounds on differentiation and mineralization. Three (3) compounds have a

positive effect on differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells as

measured by alkaline phosphatase and calcein staining, respectively. These

preliminary data support the hypothesis that compound(s) blocking the interaction

of FIAT with ATF4 would increase osteoblast activity and provide valuable

information for further in-depth in vitro experiments and in vivo pilot studies.

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 2

OP 13 Understanding the Role of Protein Gamma-Carboxylation in

Craniofacial Development

HENDRICKSON-REBIZANT J1, MARULANDA J1, AL RIFAI O 2,3, CHIASSON G1, FERRON M 2,3,

MURSHED M 1,3,4 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec 2Institut de recherche clinique de Montréal, Montréal, Québec 3Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec 4Shriners Hospital for Children, McGill University, Montréal, Québec

Congenital anomalies are a major cause of perinatal lethality, affecting 2-3% of all

newborns. A significant number of these infants have abnormal craniofacial

development, such as midface hypoplasia. Midface hypoplasia is observed in

several human disorders, including Keutel Syndrome, which is caused by

autosomal recessive mutations in matrix Gla protein (MGP) – a potent

mineralization inhibitor expressed by chondrocytes. We recently demonstrated that

MGP-deficient (Mgp-/-) mice present with shorter antero-posterior measurements

of the skull, causing midface hypoplasia. Additionally, both the nasal septum and

spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) are abnormally calcified in these mice.

Although cephalometry analyses on Mgp-/- heads suggested a critical role for nasal

septum in midface development, the relative contributions of the nasal septum and

SOS are not well understood.

To study the effects of the nasal septum and SOS on craniofacial development, we

generated a mouse model (Ggcxch-/-) in which chondrocytes lack the enzyme

gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX). GGCX modifies specific glutamic acid

(Glu) residues of MGP and other Gla proteins to carboxylated glutamic acid (Gla)

residues. Cephalometric analyses were performed on micro-CT scans of the heads

from the Ggcxch-/- mice and control mice at ages 5, 10 weeks and 6 months.

Ggcxch-/- mice showed ectopic calcification of the SOS, however nasal septum

calcification was not observed. Interestingly, cephalometric analyses demonstrated

a complete absence of midface hypoplasia. Our findings suggest that GGCX

activity is required for the prevention of SOS, not nasal septum, calcification.

Comparing the craniofacial phenotypes of Ggcxch-/- and Mgp-/- mice, we

conclude that nasal septum calcification is the primary cause of midface hypoplasia

in this model.

Our work provides information on the role of protein gamma-carboxylation

and calcification of cartilaginous tissues in midface hypoplasia. Ongoing studies on

various mouse models will be important in understanding the causes, onset,

progression, and possible treatments for patients with craniofacial dysplasias.

25

Ora

l P

rese

nta

tio

n

Oral Presentation PM Session 2

OP 14 Dental Students’ Willingness to Work with Underserved Populations in

Northern, Remote and Isolated Communities in Canada

VIDEIRA V1, CASTONGUAY G1, NICOLAU B1 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Populations living in remote areas of Canada have higher rates of dental decay

compared to the general population. This means that children and adults from these

areas are more likely to experience periodontal diseases, malnutrition, diabetes,

malocclusions, behavioral problems, sleep loss and poor learning due to tooth

decay. Although these communities have a great need for care, there is less

available than in other areas because not many dental professionals are present in

these communities.

To increase access to oral health care for Canadian northern, remote, isolated and

other underserved populations, a McGill team and several partners created the

Canadian Dental Connection website (www.dentalconnection.ca) to link oral health

professionals to these communities. The website includes a job matching service

and training modules to help prepare professionals to work in the target areas.

However, to attract candidates to the website and then to underserved regions, an

understanding of oral health professionals’ perception of dentistry in northern,

remote and isolated communities and the factors that influence their willingness to

provide care in these areas is needed. This encompasses understanding and

illustrating dental students’ views of underserved populations in these communities

in relation to dentistry and their disposition to serve in these communities after

graduation.

To address these aims, we are conducting a qualitative descriptive study combining

individual interviews and focus groups. We conducted eight semi-structured

individual interviews with McGill undergraduate Dentistry students and performed

a thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from these interviews are being used

to animate focus group discussions to further develop and refine the ideas brought

up in the interviews. In this presentation, we will showcase the findings from the

ongoing qualitative analyses, which ultimately will be used to improve the

Canadian Dental Connection website.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 1. Comparison of Sleep Oral Parafunctional Behaviors between Acute

and Chronic Painful TMD Patients

THAKUR N1, GORNITSKY M2 , DER KHATCHADOURIAN Z3, SAMIM F4 HOVEY R5,

ELSARAJ S6, CANIE O7, VELLY A8 1Neha Thakur, MSC (Thesis), Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University (Canada) 2Mervyn Gornitsky , D.D.S, Department of Dentistry, Jewish General Hospital (Canada) 3Dre Zovinar Der Khatchadourian, D.D.S, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University (Canada) 4Firoozeh Samim, DMD, MSC, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University (Canada) 5Dr. Richard Hovey, MA, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University (Canada) 6Sherif Elsaraj,PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University (Canada) 7Olivia Canie, BSC, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research Jewish General Hospital 8Ana Miriam Velly, MSC,D.D.S, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University (Canada),

Department of Dentistry, Jewish General Hospital (Canada)

Many studies support the association between oral parafunctional habits (OPH)

and the painful Temporomandibular Disorders (PTMD). The aim of this study

was to evaluate sleep OPH between Acute and Chronic PTMD patients.

Eligible patients with acute or chronic PTMD were recruited from four dental

clinics. TMD diagnoses were assigned by dental specialists using Research

Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD). Acute PTMD was defined as PTMD lasting >3

months, and chronic at or <3 months or more than three months. The validated

Oral Behaviour Checklist, GAD-7, PHQ-9 were used to assess the OPH, anxiety

and depression, respectively. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used

to assess the primary aim.

A total of 251 patients with PTMD out of which 45 acute (18%), 206 chronic

(82%) were assessed. There was no significant difference in mean age (P= 0.90)

and both groups were majority female (83% and 77%, P = 0.28).The mean score

of clenching or grinding during sleep was higher among chronic (mean=2.47)

than acute (mean=1.83; P=0.02). A borderline difference was found for the mean

of sleep in a position that put pressure on the jaw between acute (mean = 2.59)

and chronic cases (mean = 3.04, P= 0.07). Chronic cases were almost 3 times as

likely to report clenching or grinding while asleep than acute (OR = 2.45,

P=0.01). All analyses were adjusted by depression, anxiety, age, gender and pain

intensity.

Clenching or grinding OPH during sleep are more common among chronic than

acute PTMD cases. No significant association was found between groups for

sleep position, suggesting that participants were not over-reporting oral habits.

27

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 2. Fatigue Characteristics in Acute and Chronic Painful

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): a Case-Control Study.

ELSARAJ S.M.1, GORNITSKY M.2, MOHIT S.3, THAKUR N.4, HOVEY R.5, VELLY A.M.6 1 Sherif Elsaraj, DDS, M.Sc, McGill University & Jewish General Hospital, Dentistry, Montreal,

Quebec, Canada, sherif.elsaraj@mail.mcgill.ca 2 Mervyn Gornitsky, DDS, McGill University & Jewish General Hospital, Dentistry, Montreal,

Quebec, Canada, mervyn.gornitsky@mcgill.ca 3 Shrisha Mohit, BSc, Jewish General Hospital, Dentistry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,

shrisha.mohit@mail.mcgill.ca 4 Neha Thakur, BDS, McGill University, Dentistry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,

neha.thakur@mail.mcgill.ca 5 Richard Hovey, BEd, MSc, PhD, McGill University, Dentistry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,

richard.hovey@mcgill.ca 6 Ana Miriam Velly, DDS, MSc, PhD McGill University & Jewish General Hospital, Dentistry,

Montreal, Quebec, Canada, ana.velly@mcgill.ca

Aim: Painful TMD (PTMD) is a common condition causing pain and disability.

Its prevalence ranges from 5 to 12%. PTMD is a significant public health

problem. It is crucial to prevent PTMD from becoming chronic, which is more

difficult to manage. However, we do not know what factors distinguish acute

from chronic PTMD. It is suggested that there may be a reciprocal relationship

between fatigue and painful TMD. The aim of this case-control study was to

assess fatigue as potential phenotype to differentiate acute from chronic PTMD.

Methods: Eligible patients were recruited from four dental clinics in Montreal and

Ottawa, Canada. They received a diagnosis of TMD based on the Research

Diagnostic Criteria and reported their level of pain and disability using the Graded

Chronic Pain Scale. We assessed fatigue severity and functionality using the

Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a validated and reliable method of evaluating the

impact of fatigue. Chronic TMD pain was defined at a cutoff of (i) three months

(CP3), and (ii) six months (CP6). Multivariable logistic analyses were used to

assess the primary aim.

Results: Out of 318 TMD cases recruited, fatigue was present in: (i) 25% of acute

TMD pain and 40% of chronic TMD pain with CP3; (ii) 25% of acute TMD pain

and 42% of chronic TMD pain with CP6. Regardless of pain definition, the

number of chronic cases reporting fatigue was significantly different from acute

(P<0.05) using (CP3: OR=1.97, 95%CI=1.10-3.56; CP6: OR=2.14, 95%CI=1.29-

3.57). When adjusted by age, gender, anxiety and depression, the odds ratio

remained significant (CP3: OR=1.93, 95%CI=1.04-3.57; CP6: OR=1.96, 95%

CI=1.15-3.31).

Conclusions: Patients with chronic TMD pain were more likely to present fatigue

than acute cases. These results suggest the fatigue maybe a potential risk factor

for the transition from acute to chronic pain.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 3. Patients’ E-readiness to use E-health Technologies for Oral Health - Study

Protocol

KAUR JAGDE A1, FEINE J1, EMAMI E1

1Division of Oral Health and Society, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Introduction: E-oral health technologies such as teledentistry applications have been

used to reduce oral health illiteracy, to optimize education, to increase

communication of patients with their health care providers and to facilitate the

exchange of information and access to health care services. Literature highlights the

importance of e-readiness in the adoption and implementation of e-health

technologies. However, to our knowledge there is no study investigating the

perspective of patients in this regard. Therefore, the objective of this study is to

explore the patients e-readiness in the field of dentistry.

Methodology: Using a qualitative approach and the interpretive description

methodology we will use the purposeful maximum variation sampling and snowball

techniques to recruit study participants aged 18 and above. Activity theory will be

used as study conceptual framework. Data collection will consist of Face-to-face,

semi-structured, 60-90-minute interviews and will continue until saturation is

reached. Thematic analysis approach including interview debriefing, transcript

coding, data display and interpretation will be used.

Expected Outcomes from the study: The results of this study will promote knowledge

base in the field of e-oral health. Furthermore, these results will be used to create an e

-oral health readiness framework that could be used in future research on this

concept.

Conclusions: A better understanding of e-health is of public health importance since

it could lead to the implementation of effective policies based on patients’

perceptions and needs. The results of this study ultimately facilitate the use of e-

health technology among dental professionals and their patients.

29

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P.4 Co-Culture of Osteoblasts and Endothelial Cells in a Chitosan/ GDP

Scaffold to Improve Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis for the Treatment of

Critical Size Bone Defects

AGNES C 1, BAUDEQUIN T 2, TABRIZIAN M 1,2

1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2 Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec,

Canada

Despite the ‘self-healing’ properties of bone, non-union bone injuries, often

known as critical size bone defects (CSBD) can result from congenital conditions,

tumor resections, and trauma [1].Thus, significant effort has been made recently

to find a biomaterial that when placed at defect site can act as a scaffold to restore

native structure and function. Many of these biomaterials fail due to the lack of

enough vascular supply typically present in native bone matrix [2]. As a result,

the need for a suitable biomaterial continues to grow.

The objective of this work is to improve vascularization and bone regeneration in

the chitosan/guanosine diphosphate scaffold discovered previously through co-

culturing osteoblasts and endothelial cells [1, 3]. This multilayered scaffold is

ideal because it acts similarly to native tissue and allows for crosstalk between

cells in different layers. The rapid gelation property of this scaffold allows for

localization at site of injury which is crucial for tissue regeneration [1, 3]. Various

experiments were performed to determine ideal co-culture configuration. Alamar

Blue assays were performed to evaluate the effect of encapsulation on co-cultured

cells for proliferation. Experiments are underway to quantify the release of pro-

angiogenic factors important in the crosstalk between cell types such as Vascular

Endothelial Growth Factor and Alkaline Phosphatase [4].

The results found provide a foundation for the successful co-culture of pre-

osteoblasts and endothelial cells in the chitosan/guanosine diphosphate sponge.

The co-culture in the multi-layer formation at ratio 1:1 provided an environment

in which cellular activity was increased compared to mono-cultures and showed

an ordered organization with distinct patterns when compared to others. We

expect this configuration will be most appropriate to achieve desired properties,

allow for cross-talk between the two cell types and better mimic the native bone

matrix. More research is needed regarding the viability of the co-culture in-vivo.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 5. Psychosocial Stressors as an Underlying Mechanism Linking Low

SEP to Oral Cancer

ARORA HVS1, MADATHIL S1, NICOLAU B1

1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal

Introduction: Upper aerodigestive tract cancer (UADTC) is a group of

malignancies arising in the mouth, throat and larynx. Each year there are

approximately half a million UADTC cases and 300,000 deaths due to these

cancers worldwide. The existence of a gradient between socioeconomic

position (SEP) and UADTC is well established, and greater exposure to

psychosocial stress in low-SEP environments has been suggested as a major

explanatory mechanism underlying this association. The concept of allostatic

load (AL) has been proposed as a physiological explanatory mechanism

linking stress to health. However, to data only a few studies have investigating

these associations.

Aim: To estimate the extent to which low SEP is associated with oral cancer

risk. In addition, we will estimate how much of this association is explained by

psychosocial stressors.

Methodology: We use data from the India HeNCe Life study, a hospital based

case-control study investigating the aetiology of UADTC. Cases (n=350)

newly diagnosed with primary squamous cell carcinomas in the oral cavity and

non-cancer outpatient controls (n=371) frequency-matched to cases according

to age and sex were selected at the Governmental Dental and Medical Colleges

in Calicut, Kerala, India. In-person interviews using of a structured

questionnaire and life grid collected information on several exposures (e.g.,

behavioural, SEP, family environment factors). We also collected biological

specimens for human papillomavirus detection. Data analysis will involve: (i)

descriptive statistics; (ii) t-test and χ2 test to explore bivariate associations

between key variables; (iii) unconditional logistic regression to investigate

associations between indicators of SEP and indicators of cumulative

psychosocial stress and oral cancer adjusting for potential confounders (e.g.,

socio-demographic, age); and (iv) path analysis to identify the potential

pathways linking SEP and oral cancer.

Conclusions: Findings from this project will provide new information on the

role of stress in the relationship between SEP and oral cancer

31

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 6. Perspectives of People Affected by Environmental Sensitivities

Concerning Access to Dental Care, Oral Health and Illness

AHMED F1, BEDOS C 2 1Division of Oral Health and Society, McGill University,Montreal 2Division of Oral Health and Society, McGill University,Montreal

Introduction: More than a million Canadians live with environmental sensitivities

These people experience various symptoms and deeply struggle in all aspects of

their life. We still know very little, though, about how they access dental care

services and manage their oral health.

Objectives: a) understand better how people with environmental sensitivities

access to dental care services; b) describe their perspective regarding their oral

health, and c) describe their needs regarding oral health and access to dental care.

Methods: Our qualitative descriptive study is based on face-to-face, semi-

structured interviews with people suffering from environmental sensitivities. The

participants are recruited from associations of environmentally sensitive

individuals. Our analytic approach follows the 6-steps method described by Braun

and Clark. This research is participatory and includes an advisory committee

composed of people with environmental sensitivities.

Preliminary Results: Coping with their health conditions and finding access to

dental care services was a big challenge for most participants. Participants

explained that it was extremely difficult for them to access dental clinics that could

fulfill their basic needs for two major reasons; dentists' lack of awareness on

environmental sensitivities, and presence of fragrance, chemical products, and

wireless technology in dental clinics. To facilitate their access, they recommended

the dental clinics to be a scent- and smoke-free so that they could endure the

clinical environment during their treatment.

Conclusion: We expect that our finding will lead to greater recognition of people

with environmental sensitivities: dentists should try to better accommodate this

population according to their condition and specific needs.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 7 A Systematic Mapping of the Effect of Drugs on Implant

Osseointegration.

MAHRI, M1, RODAN, R1, FAIGAN, M1, DAER, A1, SHEN, N1, AHMADI, M1, BERRIZBEITIA,

F2, EMAMI, E1, TAMIMI, F1 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal 2Developer at Concordia University

Abstract

Dental implants are widely used in dentistry to replace missing teeth. The success

of titanium implants depends on their interlocking with the surrounding bone

which is referred to osseointegration. Many systemic medications (SM) influence

bone metabolism which could affect osseointegration. Identifying the effects of

SM on dental implant success is crucial for treatment planning. However, there is

no previous comprehensive systematic mapping on the effect of SM on bone-

implant osseointegration (BIO). The aim of this study is to review the impact of all

known drugs families on BIO by using Artificial Intelligence. We conducted an

electronic search of PubMed, Midline (OVID) and Embase (OVID) databases

using specific mesh-terms and keywords. Clinical and animal studies that assessed

the effect of SM on BIO were included. The articles obtained were used to

generate a machine learning algorithm based on supported vector machines. After

training the algorithm to recognize inclusion and exclusion articles, the program

was then used to screen the entire literature on BIO. The most recent search was

performed in July 2018. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed

following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The algorithm screened

543927 articles from the entire literature on BIO found in the PubMed database.

The included articles were 247 articles in the final analysis (64 clinical studies,

and 183 animal studies). The results showed that statins, antihypertensive,

oxytocin, and hyperbaric oxygen drugs enhanced BIO. Whereas, methotrexate,

aspirin, PPI, SSRIs, and warfarin impaired BIO. Yet, some drugs revealed

inconsistent results in BIO such as bisphosphonate, parathyroid hormone

replacement, diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, insulin, metformin, and estrogen

replacement therapy. In conclusion, SM can have either a positive or negative

effect on BIO. Therefore, medical and drug history should be carefully assessed

before any dental implant procedure and further standardized clinical studies are

recommended.

33

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 8. Characterization of the Antibacterial Potential of the Protein SCPPPQ1

MARY C1, FOUILLEN A1, GUADARRAMA BD1, MOFFATT P2 AND NANCI A1. 1Department of Stomatology, Université de Montréal, Montreal 2Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal

In studies aimed at determining the bacterial susceptibility of the specialized basal

lamina attaching the junctional epithelium to the tooth surface, we have observed

that all its components, except SCPPPQ1, were rapidly degraded by

Porphyromonas gingivalis. In addition to its unique resistance to degradation, our

data further suggested that SCPPPQ1 exhibits antibacterial capacity.

The objective of our study was to determine the extent of the antimicrobial

potential of SCPPPQ1 and characterize its mode of action.

To this end, we have exploited molecular biology and complementary imaging

approaches.

Incubation of P. gingivalis with recombinant SCPPPQ1 resulted in over 75%

reduction in bacterial number. Structural imaging revealed the production of

numerous outer membrane vesicles that are part of the bacterial response to

environmental stress. Furthermore, the interaction of SCPPPQ1 with P. gingivalis

caused significant membrane disruption, which correlated with internal structural

changes. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy showed that the protein

formed a beaded coating on the outer membrane of the bacteria. This association

with the membrane was confirmed by colloidal-gold immunolabeling visualized

using scanning electron microscopy. Finally, ongoing studies with various

peptides derived from SCPPPQ1 indicate that the antibacterial capacity is

sustained by specific regions of the molecule.

These results indicate that SCPPPQ1, a unique protein naturally-expressed by the

junctional epithelium, can directly attack P. gingivalis via the outer membrane,

resulting in the death of the bacteria. This unexpected finding may represent a

component of the innate response of the body to periodontal disease that may be

exploited in novel therapeutic strategies.

This work is supported by CIHR, Canada Research Chair and Shriners Hospital.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 9. Surface Modification of CoCr Alloys by Electrochemical Reduction of

Diazonium Salts

MEZOUR MA1,2, OWEIS Y2, EL-HADAD A 2,3, ALGIZANI S2, TAMIMI F*2 CERRUTI M*1 1Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 3Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

Tailoring the surface chemistry of CoCr alloys is of tremendous interest in many

biomedical applications. In this work, we show that CoCr can be modified by

diazonium electrografting provided the surface is not homogeneously covered with an

oxide layer. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

show the electrografting of a poly(aminophenylene) (PAP) layer on CoCr when

treated at a reductive potential (CoCr−0.5 V), whereas no PAP film was formed on

CoCrOCP and CoCr1 V, treated at open circuit and anodic potentials respectively.

Based on XPS results, we attributed the electrografting to the formation of carbide

bonds between PAP and the inhomogeneous thin oxide layer of CoCr−0.5 V. We

then show an example of application of PAP coatings on CoCr and prove that the

presence of a PAP coating on CoCr−0.5 V results in a 5-fold increase of the

adherence of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) to PAP-coated CoCr compared to

uncoated samples; this is of prime significance to improving the long-term stability of

dental prostheses. These findings support the importance of reducing the oxide layer

for effective functionalization of metal oxides with aryl diazonium salts and suggest a

promising surface modification approach for biomedical applications.

35

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 10. Sulforaphane Increases Drug-mediated Cytotoxicity Toward Head-

Neck Cancer Stem Cells

ELKASHTY O 1,2, TRAN S1. 1Craniofacial tissue and stem cell laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal,

Quebec, Canada. 2Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlya, Egypt.

Head and neck cancer ranked seventh in the rate of incidence in Canada. More

than 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) with

overall survival rate of 64.5%. One suggested cause for treatment failure is the

limitation of chemotherapy efficacy by its severe toxic side effects. Another

possible cause is the presence of cellular subpopulation inside the tumor that is

treatment resistant and tumorigenic termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus,

reducing the dose of chemotherapy while maintaining its efficiency and targeting

CSCs is critical for improving the treatment outcome of HNSCC. Recently, the

broccoli extract sulforaphane (SF) was successfully tested as a combination

therapy targeting cancer stem cells.

Titrations of SF standalone or combined with two chemotherapies were tested on

HNSCC-CSCs of human cell line UM-SCC-12 and non-cancerous human stem

cells. Concentrations of SF tested were comparable to SF plasma levels following

ingestion of fresh broccoli sprouts. The treatment effects on cell viability,

proliferation, self-renewal, and gene expression were measured.

Our results revealed that SF reduced HNSCC-CSCs viability in a time- and dose-

dependent manner. SF-combined treatment increased the cytotoxic activity of the

conventional chemotherapies against CSCs, with no effect on non-cancerous stem

cells’ viability or function. SF-combined treatment inhibited HNSCC-CSCs

clonogenicity and self-renewal ability. SF activated the caspase-dependent

apoptotic pathway by down-regulation of BCL2 and up-regulation of BAX. SF

also decreased the expression of self-renewal and stemness-related genes.

In conclusion combining SF with low doses of chemotherapy increased

cytotoxicity against HNSCC-CSCs, with no effects on healthy cells. The

combined treatment may be of therapeutic benefit in clinical settings in reducing

the toxic side effects of chemotherapy and increasing its effect. Our data,

combined with other studies, suggest that SF can be used with lower doses of

chemotherapy as co-treatments to the benefits of the patients.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 11. A Contribution of Acute Post-Operative Pain Towards Neuropathic

Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery - 3-Month Prospective Cohort Study

ARORA N.1,2, GORNITSKY M.1,2, HOVEY R.1, HICKEY D.3,4, BASIK M.5,6, BOILEAU F.5,6,

SIGMAN H.5,6, SINZIANA D.5,6, VELLY A.M 1,2. 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University Montreal, Quebec, Canada; 2Department of Dentistry, Jewish

General Hospital Montreal, Quebec, Canada; 3Department of Anesthesia Jewish General Hospital; 4Department of Anesthesia, McGill University; 5Department of Surgery, McGill University; 6Department of Surgery, Jewish General Hospital (Canada)

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of acute post-operative

pain towards the development of neuropathic pain (NP) 3 months after breast

cancer surgery (BCS).

Methodology: In 3-month prospective cohort study, female breast cancer patients

(>18 years) who underwent first BCS were recruited from Segal Cancer Center,

Montreal. The study outcome was NP occurrence at 3 months post-surgery, as

well as the Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN-4) score. Collected data was acute post-

operative pain, anxiety, depression, type of surgery, axillary status, and NP.

Presence of NP was assessed at 3 months post-surgery by telephone using the DN-

4 instrument. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the

contribution of acute pain in the incidence of NP.

Results: At 3 months post-surgery, 45 patients (24%) reported NP. The most

frequent DN4 terms describing NP were: burning (31%), electric shock (21%),

itching (31%), numbness (24%), pin and needles (24%). DN-score at 3 months

was positively associated with current pain intensity (β= 0.11, P=0.003), and pain

during movement (β=0.59, P=0.006), both assessed at 7 days post- surgery. These

associations were not confounded by depression (β=0.15, P=0.01). Furthermore,

acute pain increased the likelihood of higher DN-4 score (OR = 1.63), even if this

association was not statistically significant. Furthermore, numbness was

correlated with current pain intensity (r= 0.13, P=0.02), and tingling and pins and

needles were correlated with pain during movement at 7 days (β= 0.17, P < 0.03).

Conclusion: NP at three months is associated with acute post-operative pain and

its intensity. Pins and needles and numbness are both associated with acute pain.

37

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 12. Can Young Bone Marrow Cells Reverse Aging in Bone?

ABU-NADA LINA 1,2, LIU YOUNAN 1, TRAN SIMON D 1, FERLAND GUYLAINE 3,

SOLEIMANI VAHAB 2, MURSHED MONZUR 1,2, TAMIMI FALEH 1.

1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada 2Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada 3Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.

Aging is at the core of many degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. In the

past, aging was thought to be immutable; however, recent discoveries have shown

that systemic manipulations, such as parabiosis or administration of young

plasma, can counteract many important symptoms of aging. Aged bone marrow

may regulate at least some of the general hallmark indicators of aging. Therefore,

we hypothesized that transplantation of young bone marrow (BM) cells in old

mice could reverse aging in bone, brain and metabolism. Our objective is to

develop a mouse model of old mouse transplanted with young BM and then

examine bone remodeling, cognitive functions and energy metabolism.

C57BL/6-Tg (CAG-EGFP)1Osb/J mice of two different age groups: (6-weeks and

18-months) were used as donors of enhanced-GFP positive BM cells. Recipient

C57BL/6 mice (18-month old) were total-body irradiated to eliminate their

endogenous BM, and then were transplanted (tail vein injection) with donor

EGFP BM cells. Recipient mice were randomized into three groups and

transplanted with: a) BM cells from young donor, b) BM cells from old donor, c)

Reference group: no irradiation and no BM transplantation.

We successfully created a model of “old mice transplanted with young EGFP BM

cells”. The lethal dose required to ensure complete myeloablation of BM in

recipient mice was between 10-12 Gray. Also, at least 5 Χ106 BM donor cells

were required to ensure complete engraftment in recipient mice. Moreover, our

preliminary results showed that the survival rate was not significantly different

between the three tested groups.

It was possible to create a mouse model of old mice transplanted with young bone

marrow. The findings of this study could radically alter our understanding of

aging in bone, and direct further examination of the cell signaling process

involved in age-related diseases such as osteoporosis. related diseases such as osteoporosis.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 13. Predictors of Pain and Problematic Opioid use after Oral and

Maxillofacial Surgery: Description of Study Protocol

AYUSHI A1 , HABASHI D 2, MAKHOUL N 1,3, MARTEL MO 1,4.

NT-M.Sc program

1 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal 2 Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal 3 Department of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, McGill University Health Centre,

Montreal 4 Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal

Background: Every year, millions of patients undergo oral and maxillofacial

surgeries (OMFS) in North America. Acute pain after OMFS is common, but

evidence indicates that a subset of patients may develop persistent orofacial

pain symptoms. Concerns have also been raised about the potential abuse and

misuse of opioid analgesics among patients undergoing dental treatment,

including OMFS.

Study Objective: The first objective of this study will be to examine the extent

to which patient demographics (i.e., age, sex) and psychological variables

(negative affect, catastrophizing) relate to pain intensity after OMFS. The

second objective will be to examine the extent to which patient demographics

and psychological variables relate to prolonged opioid use and prescription

opioid misuse among patients prescribed opioids after OMFS.

Study Design and Methods: This will be a prospective, observational study

conducted among 100 adult patients undergoing OMFS at the Montreal General

Hospital (MGH) dental clinic. Patients will be asked to complete baseline

questionnaires before undergoing surgery and at fixed time points (i.e., 1 week,

1 month, 3 months) after surgery to assess pain, psychological, and opioid-

related variables.

Data analysis: Linear regression analyses will be conducted to examine the

relation of patient demographics and psychological characteristics to pain

intensity after OMFS. Regression analyses will also be conducted to examine

whether these variables are significantly associated opioid use and opioid

misuse at each of the follow-up time points.

Expected findings & impact: Despite the frequent occurrence of pain after

dental procedures, the factors that contribute to the intensity of pain and

problematic opioid use after OMFS remain largely unexplored. Findings from

this study are expected to provide new insights into the determinants of pain

and problematic use after OMFS. Our findings might ultimately help prevent

the occurrence of these problems among patients undergoing OMFS and other

39

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 14. Oral Health Experiences of Refugee Children in Montreal - Study

Protocol

SINGH SAINI MP1, MACDONALD ME1, BEDOS C1 1Division of Oral Health and Society, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Introduction: Refugees are migrants who experience harsh conditions such as

environmental disasters, violence, and war, and are forced to leave their home

country. Children make up almost half of the refugee population. The complex

migration trajectory and underdeveloped healthcare systems in source countries

often lead to poor oral health status of the refugee population. Literature suggests

that improving the oral health of refugees is a global priority. To facilitate access,

it is important to explore the oral health experiences of refugee children to

improve their oral health status. Therefore, the objective of the study is to explore

how Canadian refugee children experience oral health and access to oral health

care.

Methodology: The study will use a qualitative approach and a focused

ethnography methodology. The participants will be children 6-12 years of age and

their parents. Participants will be recruited from the Montreal Children’s Hospital

Refugee Clinic. Snowball technique will also be used to recruit study participants,

if required. Face to face, semi structured, 20 - 40 minutes interviews will be

conducted. Data will be analyzed using a thematic approach including interview

debriefing, transcript coding, data display and interpretation.

Expected Outcomes: This study will contribute to the oral health of refugee

populations in Canada by addressing the gap in knowledge related to the

experience of Canadian refugee children regarding accessing oral health care and

their experience of care. This study will also contribute towards improving the

oral health-related quality of life of refugee children.

Conclusion: Our aim is to work together with refugee families to improve the

overall health status of refugee children. With this study, we will endeavor to

understand the perspective of these children. The study results will contribute to

oral health of refugee children in Canada by exploring their experiences in

accessing and receiving oral health care.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 15. Resilience in Adolescent Chronic Pain: An Exploration of Resilience

Resources, Coping Mechanisms, and Protective Psychological Factors

WIDJAJA M1, SZWIMER R1 , HOVEY R1 1 Oral Health and Society, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University

Adolescents with Chronic Pain (CP) are vulnerable to negative outcomes such as

disability and impaired quality of life; they often miss schools, are unable to maintain

social contacts, have sleep disturbances, and suffer from anxiety and depression. The

continuation of avoidance coping behaviour beyond normal healing time had been

shown to result in negative consequences such as Disuse Syndrome, a state associated

with physical deconditioning, sick role behaviour, psychosocial withdrawal, as well

as negative and catastrophic beliefs. Through Gadamer’s Philosophical

Hermeneutics, we explore individual positive thought processes, adaptation efforts,

coping mechanisms, as well as resilience resources (beneficial social situations,

friendships, and solid family ties) that minimize the impact of pain and its

consequences. The goal is to liaise with fellow physicians, allied researchers, and

policy makers to modify, adapt, and improve current adolescent CP services. This

way, we can help patients foster skills that will allow them to adapt positively, regain

a balanced social life and live successfully despite their pain.

41

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 16. Success of Tobacco Control and Cessation Interventions

Implemented in Different States of India: A Literature Review

SRINIVAS A

NT-M.Sc program

Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Abstract: Tobacco kills over 1 million people annually in India making it a

major public health concern. Tobacco is consumed in various forms across all

age groups, gender and geographic areas. To tackle major public health issue,

various tobacco prevention/cessation policies and interventions have been

introduced and implemented by the Indian government. The objective of this

review is to analyze the success of different tobacco interventions implemented

in different states of India and to assess the level of tobacco awareness these

policies have resulted in among the population. The current review is a result of

syntheses of 28 articles found via Ovid Medline search which was divided into

3 categories; Location (India and 29 states and 7 union territories), use of

tobacco (smoking, pan chewing, tobacco chewing, smokeless tobacco, bidi,

cigarette smoking and reverse smoking) and tobacco use cessation (tobacco

control, tobacco prevention, smoking prevention, intervention programs,

tobacco cessation smoking cessation, health policies, health education). The

MeSH terms used for the search were ‘India’, ‘smoking’, ‘tobacco use

cessation’. Articles were screened based on title and abstract and further based

on full text.

Majority of the interventions including school-based health program Project

Mytri (Mobilizing Youth against Tobacco Related Initiatives) and community

based program Project ACTIVIY (Advancing Cessation of Tobacco in

Vulnerable Indian Tobacco Consuming Youth) show a significant effect on

tobacco use outcome especially in young adults. The most successful

interventions were the ones with continued support from the government and/or

NGOs in sustaining the tobacco quit rate. Least successful ones involved

Project EX-India and interventions implemented poorly without any framework

and follow-ups. Tobacco use can be controlled by school and community-based

interventions, teachers and community leaders can be trained to make sure there

is a continued implementation of the strategy. Interventions focusing pregnant

women should be explored as most of the current interventions focus on

teenagers and men. Intersectoral involvement is required to tackle this major

public health issue.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 17. Risk Factors of Chronic Post-Surgical Pain After Oral and Maxillofacial

Surgery: A Literature Review

SHARMA A

NT-MSc program

Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

INTRODUCTION: Chronic post-surgical oral pain is a very common and

disabling complication which affects the quality of life. Chronic pain after oral

surgery is highly prevalent in many surgical patients and is often accompanied by

a significant decrease in oral function with reduced body image, reduced ability

and willingness for social contact and can lead to misuse of analgesics. The aim of

this literature review was to evaluate current understanding of risk factors leading

to post-surgical chronic pain after oral surgery.

METHODOLOGY: We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and

Medline Ovid databases and assessed 523 studies that investigated chronic pain

after different types of oral surgeries. To identify the independent predictive

factors for chronic post-surgical oral pain, we assessed 25 eligible studies in the

final analysis. Several putative risk factors have been suggested to contribute to the

development of chronic post-surgical pain. These risk factors of in each surgical

group were examined.

CONCLUSION: Risk factors and variables leading to chronic post-surgical oral

pain are: preoperative pain, gender and psychological factors such as anxiety and

depression. These variables should be evaluated and managed among patients

undergoing oral surgery to help and reduce the burden of chronic pain after oral

surgery. More effective intervention and better management can be done by early

identification of the predictive factors.

OUTCOMES FROM THE STUDY: The results of this study will promote

knowledge and awareness. Poor prevention, delayed diagnosis and poor

management can be result of chronic post-surgical pain. Therefore, dental

practitioners must be aware of patient status to better manage this prevalent

clinical issue.

43

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 18. Reviewing the Efficacy of Disease Prevention Programs in India– Lessons

for Oral Health Programs.

KAMBLI S

NT-MSc program

Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

ABSTRACT: India is a country with a current population of 1.3 billion, and one that

is growing at an exponential rate. This population explosion comes with its

challenges, and one of them is successfully implementing health programs. Oral

diseases are a public health problem that affect general health and quality of life of

the people. India currently lacks a proper nationwide strategy to tackle oral diseases

and although the Indian Dental Association (IDA) launched the National Oral Health

Programme to provide 'optimal oral health' for all by 2020, we still need tried and

tested strategies to achieve this target.

This study aims to shed light on some of the strategies undertaken by successful

health programs that improved health status. Article search for this review was done

both electronically and manually using databases like PubMed, Medline and Google

Scholar. A total of 1323 non-duplicated articles were retrieved from initial searches.

A total of 21 articles were included in the final assessment after full text assessment

for eligibility. This review focusses on 3 main programs namely Revised National

Tuberculosis Program (RNTCP), Pulse Polio and The National AIDS Control

Programme (NACP). The pulse polio program was a monumental success and led to

India achieving a “Polio free status” by WHO, whereas the RNTCP too has

impressive strategies like DOTS, to achieve its target of “TB free India” by 2025.

Many of these strategies such as increasing awareness regarding oral hygiene

practices, promoting tobacco cessation and improving outreach can be applied to

achieve better oral health status for the people of India. This study can help in

advocating for better future oral health programs with targeted strategies.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Graduate Poster

P 19. Effect of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs on the Misuse of

Opioid Analgesics

SAINI P

NT-MSC program

Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal.

Opioid crisis has emerged as a major public health problem. Since their advent as

primary means of analgesia, there has been an explosion in their prescription and

utilization. Most gravely affected regions include North America (with fentanyl

and its analogues), Africa and Middle East (with tramadol).

Opioid crisis encompasses a wide range of issues including, opioid misuse, abuse,

addiction, overdose, mortality, neonatal abstinence (opioid misuse during

gestation), associated spread of blood borne diseases like HIV and HCV (i.v.

opioid use). This has resulted in the decrease in overall life expectancy of the

population and thus is becoming a major cause of concern. The implications are

not only associated with public health but also involves social and economic

welfare of the country.

Several coordinated and multidisciplinary approaches have been employed to

tackle opioid crisis in the USA. A major component of it includes the

implementation of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP). PDMP’s are

state run programs that collect, store, disseminate and track information regarding

federally controlled substances (including opioids). This helps recognize aberrant

opioid use patterns and timely inform appropriate authorities to curb the epidemic

before further escalation. With the implementation of PDMP’s there has been a

significant decrease in the prescription of opioids.

The aim of this project has been to consolidate and summarize the information

and data from different PDMP. A rapid review was done and will be presented

here on the published literature, to evaluate the effect of PDMP on opioid abuse,

misuse, toxicity, overdose related deaths, prescribing practices and the specific

features associated with greater positive effect- suggesting best PDMP practices

and future areas of potential growth with the incorporation of newer strategies

and technology.

Keywords: Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP); opioid abuse/ misuse/

overdose/ poisoning/ addiction/ prescribing.

45

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 20. Synergistic Interactions Between Stress Induction and

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Mice

SANANES, J1, SHI, XIANG Q2, OLADIRAN, O2, ZHANG, J 1,2 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal 2The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to the malfunction of the

temporomandibular joint and the surrounding tissue involved in maintaining

proper movement of the mandible. It has been shown that sustained mouth

opening in laboratory mice – by bite block – has led to dysfunction, indicating

that clinical interventions which require excessive mouth opening may play a

role in the development of TMD (Wang et al., 2017). In this project, we sought

to elucidate whether or not an induced state of acute or chronic stress incited an

inflammatory response that, when compounded with sustained mouth opening,

manifested itself as TMD in mice. Experimental and control groups were pre-

selected from an initial group of twenty C57BL/6 male mice. The final groups

were designated as follows: experimental – open + stress (n = 5); experimental –

stress (n = 5); and control (n = 5). Preliminary testing was performed to

establish baseline levels of facial nociception, sucrose preference and body

weight in naïve mice. The experimental groups were then subjected to a 24-hour

restraint protocol. Chronic and acute stress states were confirmed with follow

up von Frey assay, sucrose preference testing, body weight measurements, and

forced swim testing. Following the subsequent mouth opening procedure, the

effect of compounding stress and mouth opening was verified with von Frey

assay, as well as real-time qPCR analysis of inflammatory cytokines in the mice

masseter muscle. After the 24-hour restraint protocol, we found that mice

displayed hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia in the temporomandibular

joint region, in addition to generalized depression-like behaviours. Following

sustained mouth opening, however, we found no significant difference in the

mechanical hypersensitivity or inflammatory profiles between the open + stress

and open groups. Further routes of experimentation and analysis are required to

determine whether or not states of acute or chronic stress contribute to the

development of TMD.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 21. Is Reheating Cooking Oil a Risk Factor for Oral Cancer: A Case-

Control Study

VUONG T1, MADATHIL S2 , NICOLAU B1 1 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal 2 Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Oral cancers are a major public health issue, especially in Asian countries.

Although their major risk factors are well understood, a considerable amount of

variability in risk in different populations remains unexplained. Consumption of

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced during repeated heating of cooking

oil has been shown to increase the risk of gastric and colorectal cancers.

However, the evidence on the association between repeating heating oil and oral

cancer is limited. Therefore, we estimate the extent to which consumption of

reheated cooking oil is associated with oral cancer risk. We used data from the

South Indian site of HeNCe life study, an international hospital based case-

control study investigating the aetiology of head and neck cancers. Consecutively

newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

were recruited at major tertiary Hospitals in Kozhikode, India (n=350). Controls

were non-cancer outpatients selected randomly in clinics at the same hospitals as

the cases (n=371). In person interviews collected information on socio-

demographics, behavioural and dietary factors, including questions regarding

reheated cooking oil habits.

We implemented a Bayesian unconditional logistic regression to estimate the

association between reheated cooking oil consumption and oral cancer risk,

adjusting for potential confounders. To properly propagate the uncertainty in

missing values in the reheated oil variable, we adopted a full Bayesian imputation

technique.

Most participants were males (55%), 60 years old on average. 33% of cases

reported reheated cooking oil, compared to 22% of controls. 44 cases and 34

controls had missing information on this variable. Under a missing completely at

random assumption model, reheated cooking oil was associated with 76%

increase in oral cancer risk (OR=1.76, 95%CI=1.01 – 2.57). When this

assumption was relaxed, the strength of association increased. Although issue of

recall bias cannot be ruled out, our results are in agreement with risk observed in

other cancer sites.

On the template/sample of the research day 2019, it says to put the presenter

underlined and as a first name, however I was not the first author of this paper.

Should I leave it as is, or put my name first?

Not sure the order of authorship should follow exactly as the paper. May be

Belinda can give us more insights on this.

Thien could be the first author in the abstract and I would remove MC’s name.

47

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 22. Cholinergic Function as a Linkage between Oral Health and

Dementia

ALCHINI R1, NOGUEIRA T 1,2, NICOLAU B1, BOOIJ L2, FEINE J1, MADATHIL S1, TAMIMI F1,

DE SOUZA R1. 1Faculty of Dentistry McGill University, Canada. 2Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Goias, Brazil.

Dementia is a highly prevalent ailment that represent a major burden for

healthcare systems, affecting over 45 million people worldwide. Such disorders

have been linked to peripheral diseases, e.g. inflammation of the oral cavity and

tooth loss. Neurological and oral diseases can be seen as the result of the ageing

process, in which injury accumulated during life leads to both disorders.

Interestingly, degeneration of cholinergic neurons affects salivation, as well as

several other measurable indicators, such as higher intraocular pressure and lower

bone density.

We seek to investigate whether aging of the cholinergic system is a pathway

through which oral health affects cognition. We are doing so by identifying

clusters of oral health status and cognitive functioning among middle-aged and

elderly individuals. We summarized the literature on the field in a directed

acyclic graph (DAG), analyzing causal relations within the interactions of both

diseases. Furthermore, we are estimating whether the indicators of cholinergic

activity are cross-sectionally associated with these clusters across different age

groups.

We use baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

(n=30,000). The study measured cognitive performance and oral health using Rey

Auditory Verbal Learning Test and MAT, and self-reported oral health

respectively. Cholinergic indicators involved reports of dry mouth, intraocular

pressure and bone density. After hierarchical cluster analysis, dendrograms and

heat maps are being formulated. Next, we are developing a model to the joint

probability of having cognitive disorders and oral health outcomes through

multivariate generalized linear regression models adjusted for potential

confounders and stratified by age groups.

Thus, by comparing cholinergic activity estimators across age cohorts, we aim to

understand the effects of ageing on such clusters. This may provide useful

information for public health policymakers, consequently improving both oral

and neurological health care, as well as the early detection of such health issues.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 23. Assessing Dentistry’s Oral Health Research Course: Student

Perspective

LU YC1, FEINE J1 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

The aim of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of the 4-year

longitudinal Oral Health Research class in the Faculty of Dentistry of McGill

University. As the first students that have experienced all 4 years of the new

course have graduated in 2018, course evaluations can provide helpful insights

about the new course from the perspective of the graduates.

This research can be classified as a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire

assembled from other pre-existing questionnaires that have been validated. The

questionnaire is targeted at graduating students that have experienced all 4 years

of the newly introduced Oral Health Research class. The questionnaire used is

composed of sixty-one total questions broken down into five different categories.

The categories include a general assessment, an academic assessment, a teaching

assessment, an instructor assessment and a classroom/lab atmosphere assessment.

Seven graduates of the class of 2018 participated in the study, which corresponds

to a response rate of 18.42%. Most of the respondents were women (71.43%) and

the mean age of the respondents was 26.14 years old. The general mean for the

entire questionnaire was 2.31 out of 4, a score which reflects that the curriculum

is more positive than negative. Out of the five different categories, the lowest

ranked was the classroom/lab atmosphere assessment, with a score of 2.11, and

the highest ranked was the academic assessment, with a score of 2.50. Despite

some categories being ranked lower than others, all of the five categories ranked

overall more positive than negative.

Dental graduates from the class of 2018 have expressed through the questionnaire

that the Oral Health Research course is generally more positive than negative.

Specific steps could be taken to further improve the course, especially in areas

that graduates have scored lower. As for this study, future academic years should

be surveyed and compared statistically to previous academic years to establish a

basis for comparing effects of changes in the curriculum or to track students’

perception throughout the years. Furthermore, the questionnaire could be

distributed while graduating students have not yet graduated, in order to get a

better turnout from the survey; something that was not possible with the class of

2018.

49

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 24. Systematic Review Screening Method Using Artificial Intelligence

MAHRI, M1, SHEN, N1, RODAN, R1, FAIGAN, M1, DAER, A1, BERRIZBEITIA, F2, TAMIMI, F1

McGill University, Faculty of Dentistry, Montreal

Concordia University, Developer, Montreal

Abstract

Even though systematic reviews are the “gold standard” for synthesizing primary

research, they are limited when answering complex questions such as “what

drugs could affect osseointegration in my patient?”. Answering a question such

as this one is unfeasible with current methods because it would require over 500

systematic reviews (one for each of the 500 drug categories defined in PubMed)

that could translate to an estimated 620 years of work using traditional methods.

Thus, the objective of this project is to develop an artificial intelligence

algorithm for partial or complete automation of the steps involved in the process

of generating systematic reviews. This tool would enable the execution of an

evidence-wide synthesis to answer a complex and immediate clinical question:

what drugs can affect osseointegration.

We conducted an electronic search of the PubMed database using the following

Mesh Terms and keywords: ([Pharmacological Action Category]), OR

("Osseointegration/drug effects"[Mesh]) AND ("Dental Implants"[Mesh]) and

subsequently generated a machine learning algorithm from the 547,927 entries

obtained. Articles eligible for review included studies evaluating systemic

medications on implant osseointegration in clinical and animal models. The

algorithm screened titles and abstracts using pre-specified inclusion and

exclusion criteria and was subsequently verified by two independent reviewers.

We tested various algorithms and found that sequential minimal optimization

provided maximum accuracy. The algorithm was then trained to recognize the

concepts and entities of each article. These concepts and entities were used to

classify the articles using a machine learning classifier trained by an operator. In

our preliminary work, we observed that screening 5 % of the original search

could be enough to train the algorithm in order to screen the remaining 95%.

Through the second screening of our dataset, we were able to improve our true

positive rate by 31%. This tool could make complex systematic reviews

increasing time-efficient

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 25 Understanding the Role of Social Workers and Dentists in the Dental

Process of Refugees and in Montreal.

NGUYEN YC1, VELUPILLAI G1, KEBOA M2, MACDONALD ME2

1DMD summer research students, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

2Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Introduction: Canada received over 400,000 refugees between 2011 and 2017.

Evidence suggests this population has poor oral health, limited access to dental

care, and that social workers play an important role in their dental care process.

Objective: To understand the experiences and perceptions of dentists and social

workers regarding dental care of refugees in Montreal.

Methods: The study builds on a larger project that used focused ethnography. We

conducted face-to-face interviews with a purposeful sample of dentists and social

workers using a modified McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI) guide.

Interviews, with six dentists and three social workers, took place in the offices of

participants, lasted 50-60 minutes, and were audio-recorded. We also completed

an interview report that described the context of each interview. The interviews

were then transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically, and integrated with

data from the larger study.

Results: Participants experienced personal barriers (language, difference in

culture, lack of oral hygiene education, and finance) and institutional barriers

(complex and excessive paperwork and bureaucracy, delays or non-

reimbursements of claims, and an outdated repertoire) regarding dental care of

refugees. Dentists had a variety of motivators for providing care to refugees.

Some considered providing care to everyone in need was integral to their

professional code of ethics while others saw it as a way of giving back to the

community.

All participants agreed that education is the most impactful solution to improving

oral health of refugees. Refugees must be educated about the dental care system

and importance of oral hygiene while dental professionals and social workers

must update their knowledge about government policies and programs.

Conclusions: Dentists and social workers played an essential part in aiding dental

care for refugees. Their experiences highlighted important barriers to dental care

and proposed solution has potential of improving and dental care of refugees.

51

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 26. A Retrospective Review of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices and

Infection Rates for Outpatient OMFS Procedures at the Montreal General

Hospital

KORMAN RJ 1, SOMERVILLE W1, MAKHOUL N1 1McGill University, Faculty of Dentistry, Montreal

Objective: Since 2015, there has been a global effort to decrease the use of

unnecessary antibiotics through antibiotic stewardship programs. The literature

suggests that dental practitioners should favor a single pre-operative antibiotic

dose rather than a multi-day post-operative course of antibiotics for the

prevention of infection in certain procedures. (1) In spite of this, a previous

audit performed by this group (unpublished data 2016-2017) demonstrated that

51% of patients undergoing outpatient Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

procedures (bone grafts, implants, third molar extractions) performed at the

Montreal General Hospital received 5 to 7 day post-operative courses of

antibiotics. Following feedback regarding our 2016-2017 findings in March

2017, all house staff were advised to prescribe a single pre-operative dose of

antibiotics (2g Amoxicillin or 600 mg Clindamycin) 30 to 60 minutes prior to

incision in in an effort to decrease antibiotic exposure in this patient group. A

prospective chart review was performed to assess any changes in prescribing

practice and to determine rates of infection.

Methods: A prospective electronic patient chart review was performed of all

cases having bone graft, implant placement or third molar extractions between

April 1, 2017 and April 1, 2018. Information regarding timing, dosage and

duration of antibiotic usage and presence or absence of post-operative infection

were collected and analysed. Data collected retrospectively in 2016-17 were

combined with the present data in order to increase sample size for more

accurate comparison of infection rates.

Results: 373 cases were included in the study: 188 implants, 94 bone grafts, 32

simultaneous bone graft and implant, and 59 third molar procedures. Overall,

16% of these patients received no antibiotics, while 54% and 31% received post

-operative or pre-operative antibiotics respectively. Versus the 2016-17 study

period, a significant increase was observed in the administration of pre-

operative antibiotics overall due primarily to the use of pre-operative antibiotics

for implant surgeries (Table 1, p<0.05). In contrast, whereas there was a

significant increase in post-operative dosing for bone graft procedures, there no

significant change in the administration of post-operative antibiotics overall

(Table 1). Combined data (2016 to 2018) revealed that there was no significant

difference in infection rate seen whether pre-operative or post-operative

antibiotics were administered (Table 2, p>0.05).

Conclusions: This study suggests that the feedback given in March 2017 may

have had a beneficial effect as we observed an increase in the administration of

a single pre-operative antibiotic dose. However, there is still room for

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 27. Automated Facial Shape Analysis in Osteogenesis Imperfecta with

Computer Vision, A Case-Control Study

ROUSSEAU M1 & RETROUVEY JM2 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal 2Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Osteogenesis Imperfecta subjects present with typical craniofacial characteristics

that have been described from a qualitative aspect in the literature. Such findings

are particularly prone to personal biases. To obtain quantitative data of the

craniofacial characteristics of OI patients, we wrote and published an automated

facial annotation using the Python and R programming languages. Our sample

consisted of three groups of patients affected by OI (type I, III and IV) as well as a

control group. A case-control study was conducted on a total of 306 (M:145/F:161)

patients. The Individuals affected by OI where part of the BBDC 7701 study

conducted at Shriners Hospital in Montreal, Canada. These patients were grouped

according to their OI classification (88 OI type I; 28 OI type III; 57 OI type IV; 133

control).

Mean shapes for each group were computed using Generalized Procustre Analysis

(GPA) which rotates and scales for optimal superimposition reducing error coming

from different head positioning. This enables us to focus on the morphological

features of the subjects. Each patients’ landmark distance was computed from its

analogous landmark

on the control mean shape using Eucledian geometry. This method serves purpose

of highlighting and locating the differences in morphology of the OI types. Three

different facial ratios in addition to lower face height (LFH) were also computed

which are more traditional means of analysis.

Reports from the literature of specific facial characteristics such as triangular face

in patients affected by OI are confirmed by our quantitative analysis. Our results

also suggest that these manifestations are present in various severity depending on

the type of OI. Type III subjects are the more severely affected. Furthermore, strong

similarities between the facial shapes of type I and type IV patients challenge our

current understanding of the facial manifestations of the disease.

53

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 28. Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) of a Human Salivary

Gland cell cell line NS-SV-AC

LIN LC1, LIU Y1, TRAN S1 1Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

Introduction Hyposalivation has been linked to oral infections, dental decay,

pain and dysgeusia. To reverse this condition, research teams worldwide are

conducting in vitro experiments using immortalized human salivary gland cells.

A widely used and well characterized human salivary gland cell line since the

‘80s, HSG, has recently been found to be cross-contaminated by HeLa. Thus, a

replacement human salivary gland cell line is needed for research. NS-SV-AC, a

human salivary gland cell line, holds some promise to become the new standard

salivary gland cell line. In this work, we describe the methodology to determine

whether NS-SV-AC is an accurate model for human salivary gland research.

Objectives We examine the capacity of NS-SV-AC to maintain a cellular barrier

through measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). MDCK1, a

canine kidney epithelial cell cell line known to form a functional epithelial

monolayer, will serve as control.

Results NS-SV-AC and MDCK1 are grown and seeded on porous membrane

inserts. TEER is measured using an EVOM Epithelial Voltohmmeter. 4x105

cells of both cell lines are seeded on a porous 6 well plate insert (4.4x 104/ cm2).

MDCK took 1 day to form a confluent monolayer under microscope. NS-SV-AC

took 15 days to become confluent as its growth on a porous membrane was

significantly slower than on a plate. The adjusted TEER values of MDCK read

307 Ohms (D0), 330.25 Ohms (D5), 473.75 Ohms (D15) and 389.5 Ohms

(D19). In contrast, NS-SV-AC values read 233.75 Ohms (D0), 191.5 Ohms

(D10), 168.5 Ohms (D15), 230.75 Ohms (D16), 164.25 Ohms (D26) and 159.5

Ohms (D30).

Conclusion NS-SV-AC is unable to maintain membrane integrity making it a

less than ideal model for in vitro human salivary gland research. Establishing

and characterizing a novel human salivary gland cell line can bring great

benefits for the field of salivary gland research.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 29. Progression of Spinal Cord Plasticity over 12 Months following

Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Injury and Attenuation by Voluntary

Running Activity

LI, J1; DE SOUZA, R1; ESFANDIARI, S2; FEINE, J1 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 2Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada

Abstract

In the past decades, the number of women enrolling in and graduating from

North American dental schools has increased significantly. However, we do not

have a clear picture of the proportion of women occupying leadership positions

in organized dentistry, dental education groups and research organizations.

The aim of this study was to determine female representation in leadership

positions in various dental and specialty associations/organizations, in dental

education, in dental journals and dental researchers in dental faculties across

North America.

We contacted US and Canadian dental associations and asked them to provide

the total number of their members and the male/female distribution. Male/

female distributions in the leadership positions were generally accessible from

the organizations’ website. We collected data on the gender of Deans of North

American dental schools from the school’s website as indicators of dental

education. Data on the Editor-in-Chiefs of North American dental journals were

gathered from their websites. Finally, the IADR provided the data on the

number of researchers when they were contacted by email. Collected data

underwent descriptive statistics and binomial tests (α=0.05).

Our findings suggest that women are underrepresented in leadership positions

within the major North American dental professional associations. While the

median ratio of female leaders to female members in professional associations

is 0.97 in Canada, it is only in the United States. The same underrepresentation

is evident in the national leadership of North American organized dentistry

(CDA and ADA).

It was also shown that women are underrepresented in dental education and as

Editors-in-Chief for oral health journals. Sixteen (16) of 77 North American

dental school Deans were female, while three of 38 dental journals have female

Editor-in-Chiefs. The probability of finding these ratios at random, with p-

values lower than 0.05, indicates that the ratio was not balanced (1:1).

55

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 30. Chin Position in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

CONSTANTA D1, CHIASSON G 1,2, FERRAZ DOS SANTOS B 1,3 1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University 2Oral and maxillofacial surgery - Montreal General Hospital & Montreal Children’s Hospital 3Division of Dentistry - Montreal Children’s Hospital

The aims of this study are two-fold: to compare the chin position between cleft

lip and palate (CLP) patients and cephalometric normative data; as well as to

evaluate the vertical growth of the maxilla and mandibular autorotation in CLP

patients.

A total of 673 charts of CLP patients were reviewed as part of this ongoing study

of non-syndromic CLP patients from the Division of Dentistry of the Montreal

Children’s Hospital. A comprehensive review of dental and medical charts was

completed, assessing patients’ demographic data, type of cleft and type and

number of surgeries for cleft repair. After inclusion criteria were met, data from

220 patients remained. Lateral cephalometric images continue to be traced and

analyzed by a single rater using Steiner-Witts, Rickett’s and McNamara methods

of analysis. Preliminary results stem from a sample comprised 24 subjects

divided into 2 groups: unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP; N=12) and bilateral

cleft lip and palate (BCLP; N=12).

Compared to the normative values, the mean maxillary angle (SNA) was

significantly reduced for both groups [UCLP mean 79.3 (SD 3.4) and BCLP

mean 79 (SD 2.6); p<0.001]. The average difference between maxillary and

mandibular lengths was also significantly increased for both groups [35.6 mm

(SD 7.7) and 34.8 (SD 9.6), respectively; p<0.001]. UCLP group presented a

significantly steeper mandibular plane [36.5 (SD 5.3); p<0.05]; whereas BCLP

group presented a significantly increased lower facial height [74.1 (SD 10.4);

p<0.001]. However, no significant difference in chin position was noted.

Overall, this study shows that there is no difference regarding the chin position of

young adults with CLP. The main observed trend from the preliminary results is

an antero-posterior and vertical growth deficiency of the maxilla among CLP

patients, causing an increased occlusal plane as well as a clockwise rotation of

the mandible and maxillary complex.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 31. A New Approach to the Treatment of Dental Caries Using Nano

Silver Fluoride

BADAN A 1, AGNES C 1, OUATIK N 1, TABRIZIAN M 1,2 1 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal

2 Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal

Dental caries are the most common infectious disease in the world (Ozdemir,

2013), yet many people avoid getting them treated because of the discomfort or

pain that this entangles. As such, painless solutions that also do not require

drilling out the cavity are more sought after than ever, with nano-silver fluoride

(NSF) being one of them.

This nano-silver fluoride solution has already been tested in some labs and its

role is to stop cavity progression painlessly, just by applying it on the tooth,

where it does not leave a stain.

The aim of this research was to test the feasibility of the method of nano-particle

(NSF) formation described in some previously published scientific papers,, but

also to optimize the procedure used. It was found that the quantities of reagents

work well as described in previous literature and it was confirmed that the

temperature at which the reaction is carried out and the general kinetics should

be carefully controlled for optimal results.

The stability of the nanoparticles was characterized using zeta potential, while

the size of the particles was determined using dynamic light scattering and

transmission electron microscopy.

The results of this research suggest that for greater stability the final solution

should be dialyzed, while the importance of using a capping agent is still

debatable.

In the future, studies should focus on the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

(MIC) of the solution that has been developed during this research, meaning that

the lowest concentration that prevents the growth of the bacteria causing dental

caries should be found.

Ozdemir, D. (2013). Dental caries: the most common disease worldwide and

preventive strategies. International Journal of Biology, 5(4), 55.

dos Santos Jr, V. E., Vasconcelos Filho, A., Targino, A. G. R., Flores, M. A. P.,

Galembeck, A., Caldas Jr, A. F., & Rosenblatt, A. (2014). A new “Silver-

Bullet” to treat caries in children–Nano Silver Fluoride: a randomised clinical

trial. Journal of dentistry, 42(8), 945-951.

Targino, A. G. R., Flores, M. A. P., dos Santos Junior, V. E., Bezerra, F. d. G.

B., de Luna Freire, H., Galembeck, A., & Rosenblatt, A. (2014). An innovative

approach to treating dental decay in children. A new anti-caries agent. Journal of

Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 25(8), 2041-2047.

57

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Summer Research Poster

P 32. Factors Associated with Opioid Craving among Patients with chronic

Pain Prescribed Long-Term Opioid Therapy

OUELLET N1, FOURNIER C 1, FRIMERMAN L 2, COUTU E 3 MARTEL MO 1,4. 1 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University 2 Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University 3 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University 4 Department of Anesthesia, McGill University

Background: There has been a substantial rise in the use of opioids for the

management of chronic noncancer pain over the past decade. The rise in the use

of opioids has been accompanied by escalating rates of prescription opioid

misuse and addiction in these patients. Opioid craving (i.e., the subjective desire

to consume opioids) has emerged as a robust predictor of opioid misuse and

addiction. To date, however, the factors that contribute to prescription opioid

craving in patients with pain remain largely unexplored. Objectives: The first

objective of this study was to examine the link between opioid regimen

characteristics (i.e., opioid types & doses) and opioid craving in chronic pain

patients prescribed long-term opioid therapy. We also examined the relative

influence of patients’ opioid withdrawal symptoms, pain intensity, and

psychological factors on opioid craving. Methods: In this 14-day longitudinal

diary study, patients (n = 40) completed daily diaries assessing pain,

psychological, and opioid-related variables. Results: Multilevel analyses revealed

that opioid regimen characteristics were not significantly associated with opioid

craving. However, greater opioid withdrawal symptoms were associated with

heightened opioid craving (p < .05). Daily levels of pain intensity, negative

affect, and catastrophizing were also significantly associated with opioid craving

(all p’s < .05). Adjusted multilevel models revealed that opioid withdrawal

symptoms were no longer significantly associated with opioid craving when

controlling for patients’ pain and psychological factors. Conclusions: Our

findings suggest that opioid craving is not simply caused by the specific types or

doses of opioids prescribed to patients, or by the opioid withdrawal (i.e.,

dependence) symptoms that may result from prolonged opioid use. Patient-

specific characteristics, such as negative affect and catastrophizing, appear to be

strong determinants of prescription opioid craving. Our findings have

implications for the prevention of problematic opioid use among patients with

chronic pain prescribed opioid therapy.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

General Practice Residency Poster

P 33 Influence of Parent’s Oral Health Knowledge and Beliefs on

Children’s Utilization of Emergency Department for Early Childhood

Caries

BROWN A1, TO C1, DABBAGH B1, FERRAZ DOS SANTOS B 1,2 1 Division of Dentistry, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center 2 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University

Preschool aged children have been reported to be the most common age group to

visit the emergency department (ED) for caries-related dental problems.

Although children’s oral health is heavily reliant on their parents’ practices,

there is currently little evidence about the influence of parents’ oral health

knowledge and beliefs on their child’s utilization of ED. This study aims to

assess the association of parents’ oral health knowledge and beliefs, family

sociodemographic characteristics and children’s utilization of ED for treatment

of early childhood caries.

Data was drawn from preschool aged children who sought care at the Montreal

Children’s Hospital ED for caries-related dental conditions. Measures included

clinical examination and a semi-structure questionnaire. The child’s chief

complaint and number of teeth affected by caries (Dt) were assessed by the

treating ED dentist. A questionnaire answered by parents assessed child’s oral

health care utilization and behaviours, familial sociodemographic characteristics

and parents’ oral health knowledge and beliefs.

A total of 109 children participated in this study. Fifty-seven percent were male

and the mean age was 3 years. The majority of children had never visited a

dentist before and was mainly from families of low socioeconomic status and

recently immigrated backgrounds. Parents demonstrated generally good oral

health knowledge; however, parental perception of their children’s oral health

was low. After adjusting for child’s age and gender, children from lower income

families were more likely (OR 3.02, 95% Cl: 1.01-9.07) to utilize the ED instead

of seeking regular dental care services. Parents’ knowledge and beliefs were not

associated with children’s utilization of ED.

Overall, this study shows that family income was associated with preschool

children utilizing the ED for caries-related conditions. Furthermore, as parental

knowledge alone is not effective in preventing the use of ED, implementation of

community-based oral health promotion programs should be explored.

59

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Notes

P 34 Provision of Sedation for Dental Care in Canadian Pediatric Hospitals

DIONNE-BERLINGUETTE LP1, ST-PIERRE L1, MARLEAU A 1,2, DABBAGH B1, FERRAZ DOS

SANTOS B 1,2 1 Division of Dentistry, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre 2 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University

Sedation is an important adjunct in providing oral health care for pediatric

patients with uncooperative age-appropriate behavior, anxiety, disabilities, or

medical conditions. However, little is known about how sedation services are

offered in Canadian pediatric hospitals and the profile of children receiving it.

Thus, this study aims to analyze the differences between Canadian pediatric

hospitals in matter of availability, recommendation and waiting time for dental

treatments with sedation.

A web-based survey was sent to the Chief of the Division of Dentistry at 12

different Canadian pediatric hospitals. The questionnaire assessed the types of

sedations offered in these hospitals, the criteria for their use, the waiting time to

get access to them and the characteristics of patients benefiting from them.

A total of 10 pediatric hospitals answered the survey (response rate of 83%).

General anesthesia (GA) and inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide (N2O/O2)

were provided in all surveyed hospitals; whereas sedation with benzodiazepines

was offered in only 60% of them. Criteria for the use of general anesthesia were

fairly homogenous; however, several discrepancies were noted for the use of

benzodiazepine sedation and N2O/O2 inhalation sedation. The majority of

children receiving dental care under GA aged between 3-5 years; whilst N2O/O2

inhalation sedation was mainly used in children aged 6-9 years. Moreover, the

average wait time for access to sedation varied significantly between provinces.

This is the first nationwide study of sedation provided in Canadian pediatric

hospitals for dental care. Our results show that institutional variation exists on the

delivery of sedation services as an adjunct to pediatric dental care. Furthermore,

the lack of national guidelines for sedation services impairs standardized dental

care among provinces. The relationship between social determinants and the use

of sedation services merits further investigation to establish best dental practice

and preventive care within Canadian pediatric hospitals.

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

General Practice Residency Poster

P 35 Clinical and Radiographic Factors Influencing Space Closure following

the Extraction of Permanent First Molar

GILBERT C 1,2, LIU LJ 1,2, RIZKALLAH J1, DABBAGH B1, FERRAZ DOS SANTOS B 1,2

1Division of Dentistry, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center

2 Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University

Extractions of permanent first molars (PFMs) have been accepted as a viable

treatment option when their long-term prognosis is questionable. Successful

eruption of permanent second molars (PSMs) with space closure can occur

following extraction of PFMs when the right circumstances are met. Literature

states that extraction time, as well as radiographic factors can increase the success

rate of space closure. However, there is lack of information on the correlation

between clinical findings and radiographic data with space closure outcomes.

Thus, this ongoing study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographic factors

influencing space closure following the extraction of PFMs.

Children aged 6-12 years who attended the Division of Dentistry of the Montreal

Children’s Hospital for extraction of PFM are included in this study. Baseline data

was drawn from the preextraction clinical examination and included patients’

Angle’s classification, midline deviation, overjet, overbite, crowding, presence of

open bite and crossbite. Panoramic radiographs taken prior to the FPM extraction

are also used to assess second molar developmental stage, presence or absence of

third molars, as well as angulations of second premolar (SPM) and PSM. Outcome

is assessed in the follow-up visit by clinical and radiographic evaluations.

Preliminary results stem from 15 SPMs from 8 patients (62% male; mean age 12

years). The main aetiology for early extraction of FPMs was enamel hypoplasia

(60%). At the time of FPM extraction, 73% of SPMs were at the ideal stage of

development. Complete space closure occurred in 100% of the maxillary arch and

in only 25% of the mandibular arch (p<0.001).

Overall, preliminary results show that the maxillary arch has a higher success rate

in space closure. Furthermore, the results yielded from this ongoing study could

help to identify appropriate clinical and radiographic predictors to obtain optimal

results for space closure.

61

Post

er P

rese

nta

tio

n

Notes

Notes

63